Dental Fillings
“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.”
— John Ruskin
Material Selection
The most commonly used filling material in modern dentistry is composite resin, which mimic the colour of natural tooth. Unlike traditional amalgam (metal) fillings that are mechanically fitted into the tooth, composite fillings are strongly bonded to the tooth. This means the preparation (cutting) of the tooth is minimised and the chewing force is applied more favourably for the tooth structure. For very large fillings, we use fibre-reinforced composite for improved strength.
At Prestige Dental, we do not use metal fillings as they often result in cracks and fractures in teeth, especially if they are large. Sometimes these fractures can occur vertically down the tooth into the root structure and result in a complete destruction of the tooth. With little or no warning at all, this can lead to painful infections & abscesses. Many of these structural failures and subsequent tooth loss (or very costly repairs or replacements) can be avoided by early intervention.
Air Abrasion
At Prestige Dental, we utilise air-particle abrasion unit for most of our bonding procedures. Air abrasion essentially fires fine micro-particles propelled by compressed air to remove decay conservatively and prepare tooth surfaces for enhanced bonding.
We use air abrasion in conjunction with decay-detector dye in order to remove decay with high precision and preserve as much tooth as possible. The use of air abrasion significantly improves bond strength of fillings and their longevity while reducing the likelihood of future root canal treatments due to nerve exposures. In aesthetic areas, it also helps creating invisible filling margins.
Not just another filling
Composite fillings are highly technique-sensitive and their longevity is affected by many factors. At Prestige Dental, we endeavour to control whatever we can control to maximise the appearance, function and longevity of our restorations. This includes the use of rubber isolation where suitable to prevent moisture contamination that often leads to leakages, stains and decay around the filling margins.
The combination of quality materials, technology, techniques and ongoing preventative care means our restorations are placed and maintained at high standards.
Get Composite Resin Dental Fillings From a Trusted Dentist in Auckland
Dental fillings eliminate painful tooth cavities to make eating and drinking feel comfortable again. Tooth decay becomes more common as you age. Taking good care of your teeth slows down the rate of decay and helps prevent serious dental concerns. Prestige Dental is a trusted dental practice in Auckland - we offer painless cavity filling services to get your teeth looking and feeling fresh and healthy again.
Leaving a tooth cavity unfilled often causes more decay over time at the site of the damage. Requiring a dental filling becomes more common as you age, and you should get it done as soon as you notice any of the symptoms below.
Sensitivity. Does one of your teeth feel sensitive or painful when you eat or drink certain foods? Hot or cold beverages, sugary drinks, and sour flavours often trigger sharp pain at the site of a cavity. The pain is often linked to decayed enamel and exposed nerve endings.
Difficulty flossing. If you have a tooth cavity, food will likely get stuck in it, and you will need to floss more regularly. If you notice your dental floss repeatedly tearing or shredding against certain teeth, it may be a sign of dental decay and cavities.
Bad breath. It may be challenging to floss trapped food out of your teeth when you have a cavity. Bacteria will decompose the food in between the teeth, releasing an unpleasant odour. If you floss regularly and still notice a strong smell, you may have a cavity with surrounding tooth decay.
3 Signs You May Need a Tooth Filling
More About Our Composite Resin Fillings
Getting a filling is generally a quick and painless experience, and our dentists aim to make the process as comfortable for you as possible. We use composite fillings made from high-quality resin to fill cavities. Resin fillings are beneficial in the following ways:
Mimic the natural tooth colour. Resin fillings are the same colour as a tooth, unlike traditional amalgam (metal) fillings. They are suitable for cosmetic purposes, such as fixing cracks or chips on your front teeth.
Bond strongly to teeth. Composite fillings bond to your existing tooth using a bonding agent. Once applied, the resin hardens and provides extra strength to the tooth, preventing additional decay.
Require less drilling to insert. Preparing the tooth for a resin filling requires less cutting as the resin bonds to the natural shape of the cavity. Using resin fillings also reduces the risk of future tooth cracks and fractures.
Trust Prestige Dental For Complete Dental Care
Prestige Dental is passionate about providing quality dental work while creating a comfortable and pleasant environment for you. We focus on preventative care to keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime. Our friendly team believes in a customised approach for every set of teeth, and we love getting to know you and building a lasting relationship. Contact us for more information.