TOOTH COLOURED FILLINGS COMPOSITE, GIC

Tooth coloured fillings are an excellent alternative to metallic fillings. There are two kinds of tooth-coloured fillings namely Composites and Glass Ionomer.

Dental Composite fillings are made up of a mixture of resin-based materials which are set using a light source. These fillings provide the closest possible colour match to your natural teeth.

Why choose tooth coloured fillings?

• Metallic fillings are unaesthetic due the fact that they cannot match to the original tooth colour.
• Metallic fillings do not chemically bond to the cavity, which means that the dentist has to remove more of your tooth structure to physically compact and retain the metallic filling. This is in contrast to tooth-coloured fillings that require minimal drilling as they chemically bond to your tooth.
• Metallic fillings are more prone to get tarnished and corroded. Over a period of time the byproducts from the filling can discolor the tooth.

How is the procedure performed?

Prior to the filling, the chewing surface of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and polished. The part of the tooth, which is decayed, is carefully cleaned with a drill. The procedure does not require any anaesthetic and is painless. The cavity is shaped minimally preserving the healthy tooth structure. The shade of the tooth is recorded and the corresponding filling shade is selected. The filling material is then placed in layers and artistically carved to restore the natural shape of the tooth. The material is set using a blue light source. Finishing polishing is finally performed and the entire procedure can be completed in a single visit.

What precautions should you take to ensure the longevity of the filling?

Thorough oral hygiene is mandatory following any filling procedure and regular dental check-ups help in monitoring the status of the filling and assessing hygiene maintenance.