Dental Fillings

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling, often simply called a filling, is a treatment used to repair a damaged tooth so that it regains its original shape and function. The filling stops the decay process and seals a crack or cavity so that bacteria cannot reach the tooth tissue.

When is a filling needed in a tooth?

• Decay in the tooth. This is the most common reason for a dental filling.
• Cracks or fractures in a tooth, sometimes due to injury.
• Wear on a tooth.
• To improve the appearance of a tooth.
• To replace an older filling.

If the damage to the tooth is extensive, it may be better to place a crown on the tooth to restore its original shape and function.

If the damage reaches the nerve, a root canal treatment may be needed before the final filling is placed.

What materials are used in dental fillings?

Plastic fillings
The most commonly used filling material today is called composite or plastic filling. It is a plastic mixture with very small porcelain particles that increase the strength of the material. The material matches well with the natural color of the teeth. Plastic fillings are used in all general filling work whether on front teeth or molars. The plastic bonds well to the tooth tissue, which is a great advantage and means less drilling of the tooth is needed to hold the filling.

Disadvantages of plastic fillings are that the material wears down and discolors over time, very differently among individuals. For some, the fillings last a very long time but less for others.

Porcelain fillings
If the damage to the tooth is extensive, it may be better to have the filling made from a material that is more durable than plastic. Porcelain fillings are made from very hard and durable material and discolor less than plastic. Porcelain fillings usually cover a larger surface of the tooth and often cover one or more cusps on molars. When making a porcelain filling, the tooth is drilled and then a 3D scan is taken. It is sent to a dental lab where the filling is made. Meanwhile, a temporary filling is placed. When the porcelain filling is ready, it is fitted at the dental office and then cemented into the tooth.

This treatment is expensive and requires more visits than a regular filling but in some cases, it is worth making a more durable and longer-lasting filling which also has a natural and good appearance.

Silver fillings – amalgam
Although we no longer place amalgam fillings, many people still have these fillings in their mouths. They have proven to be very durable and in some cases, fillings placed in adolescence have lasted a lifetime.

However, amalgam has several disadvantages which have led to its discontinuation. The main reason is environmental protection since the material in amalgam is about 50% mercury. Some of this mercury is released into the environment when placing a new filling. Amalgam is also dark-colored and not natural in appearance, so people prefer tooth-colored filling materials. It is often recommended to replace amalgam fillings because of leakage or cracks around the filling, and then a tooth-colored filling or crown is placed instead.

How is the dental filling procedure performed?

When placing a filling in a damaged tooth or replacing an old filling, the tooth usually needs to be numbed first. Often, a so-called rubber dam is placed over the tooth to isolate the working area from the mouth and keep saliva, tongue, and cheeks away.
Next, the decay or old filling is removed and the tooth tissue is smoothed so its shape is suitable to receive the new filling. Sometimes a kind of ring or form is placed on the tooth to support the filling material.
The tooth surface is cleaned with a blue gel that roughens the surface, then bonding agent is applied and cured with blue light.
The plastic material is applied in thin layers and cured with the light between layers. The filling is finally polished.
When the rubber dam is removed, the bite is checked using blue paper and polished if necessary. You should not feel the filling when biting.

What should I expect?

In most cases, the treatment goes well and you will have no lasting symptoms after the filling procedure.

When you get a new filling, the tooth may be slightly more sensitive afterwards. If you feel the tooth when biting after the numbness has worn off and the tooth is healing, you should contact us. A filling that is too high can lead to sensitivity and even severe pain.

We also encourage you to contact us if there are any persistent discomforts from the tooth such as cold sensitivity, throbbing, sharp biting pain, food packing, roughness, or anything else.

How much does a dental filling cost?

The price of a dental filling depends on the size and extent of the filling, as well as the choice of material. Examples of filling prices can be seen in our price list.
Anesthesia and rubber dam are not included in the price of the filling.

Health insurance covers the full cost of fillings for children and a large part of the cost for elderly and disabled persons.

Do you have old fillings that need to be replaced or even damage in a tooth?

At the Dental Service, we care about your dental health and want to help you keep your teeth in good condition. You are welcome to come for an examination with us and together we will assess your needs.