Fillings

The Steps of a Filling

The first step of a filling is for the dentist to numb the area. Dr. Ciaran Casey Dentist does this by using a local anesthetic through injection to the gums and area surrounding the tooth. This numbing can last for a couple hours so it is imperative to be careful of your tongue and lips.

Once you are sufficiently numbed, the dentist will then use a drill to remove the damaged areas of the tooth. When the dentist is sure that all the damaged area is gone, they will prepare the cavity for filling by cleaning it out thoroughly so that there is no bacteria or debris there.

Finally, the dentist will fill the area with the material chosen in layers. This means that they will fill the cavity then harden it with a special light, then apply another layer and repeat the process. Once this process is complete, the dentist will then shape the tooth, trim off excess material, and polish it.

Filling Materials

There are many materials that a filling can be made from including gold, amalgam, porcelain, and composite material. However, the materials that are used the most are silver amalgam and composite/white filling material.

Amalgam is a silver material compound made from silver, copper, tin and zinc. This filling material has been used for decades in dentistry because of how strong and durable it is. Amalgam can easily withstand pressure from other teeth while chewing, and is not easily broken down. Usually, it is used to fill teeth at the back – the molars.

White filling material is actually not white at all but instead it is tooth coloured. This material is used more often on teeth that are near the front of the mouth so that your smile will look seamless.