Fillings

There are many types of materials and procedures available to restore decayed, worn or broken teeth but we are yet to find a filling which is perfectly compatible with the human body. At Natural Dentistry we avoid the use of known toxic materials such as mercury and use the most bio-compatible filling material that would be best for you.

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Amalgam the mercury containing filling is not used. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal which escapes from the filling and is absorbed into your body. This can cause a variety of health problems which are outlined more fully in the section on mercury.

 

There are four types of materials which can be used for fillings: glass ionomers, composite resin, porcelain and gold and these materials can sometimes be used in combination. Glass ionomer is too soft and not suitable by itself for most fillings. The most commonly used material is composite resin (tooth coloured plastic). Composite resin is ideal for small to medium size fillings.

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If the fillings are large or the tooth badly decayed or broken then porcelain (or even gold) maybe be recommended.

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Porcelain is the most bio-compatible material we have and often is the best choice to restore the tooth back to health, support and longevity.

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Sometimes crown or caps are also recommended, and these too are mainly in the form of a stronger porcelain or zirconia.

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White Fillings

Composite resin fillings are an aesthetic, lasting, alternative to silver/mercury amalgam fillings. These are “tooth coloured” and bonded to the surrounding tooth structure making them suitable for front and back teeth. Teeth filled with composite resin tend to be stronger as it bonds to the surrounding tooth, while a tooth filled with amalgam may be weaker and result in cracking of the remaining tooth structure.

 

 

Porcelain Inlays/Onlays

 The most bio-compatible material we have to use to restore your mouth back to health.

 

The reasons we use porcelain can vary from case to case. Some of the indications for a inlay/onlay or a crown are:

• A previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.

• Extensive damage by decay.

• Replacing large amalgam fillings

• Discolouration and compromised aesthetics.

• Fractured teeth and fillings

• Crowns – when there is very little tooth structure left or if there is a fracture in a tooth

• Bridges – When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns/inlays in order to support the replacement teeth.