Dental fillings in Singapore, just as it is in other countries, are a crucial procedure for restoring teeth that have been compromised by decay, fracture, or wear. This treatment not only repairs but also prevents further damage, ensuring that both the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth are maintained. Here, we discuss the types of fillings available, the process involved, and practical care tips to manage your dental health with confidence.
Dental Fillings in Singapore: What is Tooth Filling?
Tooth fillings are primarily a first-aid cavity treatment, but also serve to repair other forms of dental damage. The procedure involves removing decay and restoring the affected tooth with materials that mimic the hardness and function of natural teeth, effectively preventing further decay or damage.
When Do You Need Dental Fillings as Tooth Restoration?
Dental fillings are essential for maintaining oral health by restoring the integrity of damaged teeth. You may need them:
As a Cavity Treatment
Fillings close off spaces where bacteria can enter, thus preventing further decay. They are crucial in stopping the progression of cavities that can lead to more severe dental issues.
For Chipped or Broken Tooth
A filling restores a tooth that has been chipped or broken, bringing back its original shape and function.
For Worn Tooth
Teeth that have worn down, often due to grinding, can be built back up with fillings to restore their normal appearance and functionality.
To close spaces or gaps between teeth
To reduce/close areas of slight malalignment and spaces where teeth are rotated/slanted in an awkward position allowing food to often stagnate. Fillings can also be used to close some natural gaps between teeth for aesthetic reasons and make the size/shape of the teeth look more even.
Overall, while primarily used for treating cavities, fillings prevent severe dental problems that can arise from untreated tooth decay, such as pain, infections, and the need for more complex treatments.
What Are The Benefits of Getting Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings offer numerous benefits as a tooth restoration treatment. If your dentist suggests dental fillings, please remember that they offer the following benefits:
- Tooth Preservation: Fillings help save teeth by restoring their structure and preventing decay from spreading.
- Aesthetic Maintenance: Modern fillings can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth, maintaining the aesthetics of your smile.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to other dental restoration techniques like crowns, fillings are an affordable option that effectively restores tooth function and appearance.
- Durability: Made from various resilient materials, fillings can withstand the forces of chewing and can last many years with proper care.
- Improved Functionality: By restoring the tooth’s structure, fillings allow for better chewing and biting, improving overall dental function.
Dental Fillings in Singapore: Types of Dental Fillings
There are several types of filling materials that your dentist may recommend depending on your needs or preferences. These are as follows:
Metal Fillings
Metal fillings are known for their durability and strength, making them suitable for restoring teeth that undergo extensive chewing forces. There are two types of metal fillings: amalgam fillings and gold.
Amalgam
Amalgam fillings are a traditional choice that has been used for over a century. These fillings are made from a mixture of metals including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are highly durable and cost-effective, which makes it ideal for filling cavities in the back teeth where the chewing pressure is greatest.
Despite concerns about mercury content, the amounts used in amalgam fillings are considered safe according to world health standards and provide a reliable, affordable, and long-lasting solution for tooth restoration.
Gold
Gold fillings, also known as inlays or onlays, are custom-made in a lab with other metals and then cemented into place. Gold is one of the most durable filling materials available and can last longer due to its ability to withstand chewing forces.
Although more expensive, gold fillings are favored for their durability, biocompatibility, and minimal wear on opposing teeth.
Non-metal Fillings
Non-metal fillings are favored for their aesthetic qualities as they closely resemble the natural color of teeth. There are 4 types of non-metal fillings: composites, glass ionomers, porcelain and zirconia.
Composites
Composite fillings are made from a resin and plastic material that is colored to match the natural color of your teeth. They are most commonly used for the visible parts of teeth or the front teeth because they blend seamlessly with the tooth, making the filling nearly invisible.
Composites bond directly to the tooth structure, providing support and preventing breakage or temperature sensitivity. However, they may not be as durable as metal fillings and can discolor over time, typically requiring more frequent replacements.
Glass Ionomers
Glass ionomer fillings are made from a blend of acrylic acids and fine glass powders. They are used primarily in small fillings that are not subjected to heavy pressure such as those along the gum line, on root surfaces or in young children.
One of the key benefits of glass ionomers is that they release fluoride over time, which can help prevent decay around the filling and support overall dental health. However, their weaker structure compared to other fillings makes them less durable.
Porcelain
Porcelain fillings, also referred to as ceramic fillings, are made from porcelain, a type of ceramic. They are hard, durable, and resist staining better than composite fillings.
Porcelain can be matched to the color of the tooth and is highly aesthetic, making it suitable for visible areas of the mouth. These fillings are often created in a lab before being bonded to the tooth, requiring at least two dental visits. However, these fillings need to be used with care as they can still chip, but cannot be easily repaired unlike composites/glass ionomers fillings.
Zirconia
Zirconia, a strong ceramic material, is becoming increasingly popular for dental restorations due to its numerous benefits.
It surpasses porcelain and some metals in strength, resisting wear and tear while maintaining a smooth surface. This smoothness helps protect opposing teeth from damage, unlike rougher materials that can cause wear.
Dentists widely favor zirconia, as evidenced by a recent ADA study, and appreciate its natural tooth-like appearance for aesthetic restorations. Its biocompatibility and durability make it a safe and long-lasting choice for patients seeking dental work.
Each type of dental filling comes with its own set of advantages and may be more suitable for different dental needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize durability, aesthetics, or cost-effectiveness, there is a filling material that can meet your requirements and help restore the functionality and appearance of your smile.
Procedure Involved in Dental Fillings
The dental filling process is a straightforward yet meticulous procedure tailored to restore tooth integrity efficiently. Here’s what to expect:
What To Expect from Start to Finish
The procedure may vary depending on the type of filling (eg. some are made in the lab instead of molded on the day) and the extent of the decay. In general, here’s what you can expect:
- Diagnosis and Planning: The dentist examines the affected tooth and possibly uses X-rays to assess the extent of the damage.
- Preparation: The area around the tooth is numbed using local anaesthesia to ensure comfort.
- Decay Removal: Special dental tools are used to remove decay and clean the tooth.
- Filling Application: The chosen filling material is applied to the prepared cavity.
- Curing and Polishing: The tooth-coloured filling is then hardened using a special light and polished to ensure a smooth finish.
- In the case of Porcelain and Zirconia fillings, the shape of the cavity will have to be duplicated with an impression or scanned. The fillings are then fabricated and may have to be completed in 2 visits
What Are the Aftercare Tips?
After getting a dental filling, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Here are some tips to help your fillings last longer and prevent future decay:
- Continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- Immediately after the procedure, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the filled tooth.
- Some people may experience transient sensitivity after a filling; using toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help.
Of course, visiting the dentist regularly is crucial still because it can help detect any issues with fillings early on.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the full scope of benefits and options available for dental fillings in Singapore can significantly influence your decisions regarding oral health. With the right care and maintenance, dental fillings can effectively restore and enhance your dental functionality and aesthetic, contributing to overall well-being and confidence.
References:
Fillings, https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/fillings
Let’s Compare Metal vs. Metal-Free Fillings, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings/lets-compare-metal-vs-metal-free-fillings#
Dental Amalgam Fillings, https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings#
What is a Zirconia Crown, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-a-zirconia-crown
