What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are used to restore the anatomy of the tooth that has been damaged by dental decay, or trauma. Fillings may be either direct or indirect.
Direct fillings are when the filling material is placed directly onto the tooth. The filling material may be made from:
- Composite resin (tooth-colored fillings)
- Resin Ionomer
- Glass Ionomer
Indirect fillings are usually made in a dental laboratory and cemented onto the tooth. These can be made from
- Ceramic (porcelain)
- Gold Alloy
What are the benefits of dental fillings?
If the tooth has been damaged through decay or fracture then bacteria is able to access the insider of the tooth. Tooth-unfriendly sugars, bacteria and starches erode the tooth structure and cause infections. Dental fillings help to restore the damaged tooth and
- Prevent or limit further damage to the tooth structure
- Help to prevent nerve damage
- Help to prevent tooth loss