Fillings

Fillings are most commonly used to restore a tooth's form and function after damage from a cavity or a fracture. Different materials can be used to fill a tooth and material may be either white (such as composite resin or  glass ionomer) or silver (amalgam). These options can be discussed especially when there is a situation where one option might be more appropriate than another.

If a cavity is not treated, over time the cavity will get larger and eventually can lead to a toothache, pain, and/or swelling. Sometimes this leads to more complicated and costly treatments  (such as a root canal) or tooth loss (extraction). If a tooth is lost, tooth replacement options can be discussed.

At dental check-up appointments dentists check for cavities and examine the condition of any existing fillings and will sometimes recommend fillings to be replaced if they show any signs of deterioration, being loose, cracked, or if there is decay starting up again around the filling or underneath the filling. 

For further detail, please visit:

Canadian Dental Society - Fillings