Dental Fillings In Margate

Dental fillings are most commonly used to fill cavities after drilling out decay but they can also be used to rebuild the structure of a damaged or chipped tooth from dental trauma. The most common materials used to fill in holes and repair the structure of your teeth are silver amalgam fillings and composite resin fillings. Contact us at Lifestyle Dental Care today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Philippe Jean.

The answer to this question varies depending on the material being used to fill the tooth, the patient’s oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits which contribute to wear and tear. On average, composite resin fillings last for 7-10 years. 
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Composite resin fillings are less durable when placed in the rear molars because these teeth have to withstand significant chewing forces. Teeth grinders will also see reduced longevity in their fillings if they do not wear a mouthguard while they sleep.

To increase the lifespan of your dental fillings, we recommend reducing your exposure to staining foods and drinks, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush as well as flossing each day. 
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To avoid wearing down or dislodging your fillings, do not use your teeth to chew on fingernails, objects, open packages, ice, or hard and sticky foods. Regular visits to the dentist every 6 months are crucial to reduce plaque buildup and spot early warning signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Philippe Jean will be able to spot fillings that need to be replaced.

At Lifestyle Dental Care, we specialize in composite resin fillings because they offer superior aesthetics, do not contain mercury, allow us to preserve more of the natural tooth, and instantly harden. In comparison, amalgam fillings leave a noticeable silver appearance in your mouth, contain mercury, require more drilling, and take up to 24 hours to harden which places more restrictions on your diet in the first 24 hours.
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The Process - Our Margate dentist will first need to remove any active decay from your tooth with a dental drill. We’ll first numb your mouth with a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain. Then, we’ll apply an etching solution that helps the adhesive bond to your tooth. We’ll then fill your tooth with the composite resin material, cure it with UV light, and polish your tooth.