Fillings & Restorations

Bacteria in the mouth can damage a tooth or molar. If this damage affects the enamel and dentin of the tooth or molar, we refer to it as caries. In other words: cavities. To restore the tooth or molar, a filling is necessary..

A beginning damage to the tooth or molar is reversible with the right prevention; we then don’t refer to it as caries but as demineralization.

Teeth and molars can be filled with various materials. We only use white fillings. White fillings are made from composite or glass ionomer. In the past, amalgam (silver-colored filling) was commonly used. However, for several reasons, this material is no longer used. One important reason is that more healthy tooth structure needs to be removed by the dentist than just the cavity itself. The big advantage of composite fillings is that they are more aesthetically pleasing and do not require the removal of healthy tooth tissue.

 

How does the treatment work?

1. First, it will be determined which color best matches the tooth or molar to be filled. Sometimes, the dentist chooses to mix different colors to create the most natural result.
2. To make the treatment as comfortable as possible, we will decide together if anesthesia is needed.
3. In some cases, the old filling needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it will first be removed. If the tooth is being treated for the first time, the affected part will be drilled away by the dentist.
4. A filling will only stay in place if the surface is properly dry. Therefore, the next step is called isolating the tooth or molar. Sometimes we use a rubber sheet, also called a rubber dam or cofferdam, for this purpose. It is placed over the tooth or molar to ensure the surface can be thoroughly dried.
5. To ensure that the filling stays in place, a bonding layer is applied. This is then hardened using a special light.
6. Afterward, the filling is applied in several thin layers. Again, we use our light to harden each layer.
7. After the final curing, we will finish the filling and check with you to ensure that the filling is not too high.
8. Finally, the filling is polished.