White Tooth Fillings

Teeth are constantly being affected with bacteria by eating and drinking. Acid causes decay which results in the softening of your tooth’s enamel and dentine, this can then lead to a cavity. If the decay is not serious it can be simply removed by your dentist at our Newcastle dental practice and then restored with a white filling that looks natural in your mouth.

White fillings are not suitable for those of you with very large cavities, this is due to the composite material used for white fillings not being strong enough for large cavities. White fillings are bonding to the teeth and are recommended for small to medium sized cavities. For larger cavities many dentists now prefer to use custom ceramic fillings (called Inlays/Onlays) which has the aesthetics that composite bonding has, but also has the strength that it lacks for large cavities. After your examination at Gosforth Dental Surgery, your dentist will discuss with you the types of fillings suitable for your case.

The procedure to place a white composite white filling requires several steps. The first of those is to anaesthetise the tooth with local anaesthetic. The tooth where the filling is going is thoroughly cleaned. Then the correct shade of filling is selected, the tooth is kept dry. The filling is then applied and exposed to a special light which enables the material to harden and set. The filling is then polished to give the desired shape and finish. At our Newcastle dental practice, your dentist will go through treatment procedure with you prior to treatment for your understanding and confidence.

The lifespan of white fillings depends on the patient’s oral and overall health, post-filling oral care, and lifestyle habits such as excessive smoking and eating of sugary foods. Their durability is slightly less than that of metal amalgam fillings, but they provide a more natural look to teeth in shade and texture that improves appearance.

There are two other categories of white fillings; ceramic and glass ionomer fillings. The ceramic fillings are most often made of porcelain, are more resistant to staining than composite resin material, but are also more abrasive.

The glass ionomer fillings are made of acrylic and a specific type of glass material. This material is most commonly used for fillings below the gum line and for fillings in young children.