What is a filling?

A filling is exactly as the name sounds. A composite material in liquid/paste form fills the damaged area of a tooth caused by decay back to its original shape. This will prevent bacterial and food particles to enter the cracked and damaged area of the tooth, preventing further decay.

What type of filling should I choose?

At Dr. Rollan Wong Dental Office, new technology and current dental practices are constantly being reviewed to provide only the best for our patients. We currently offer two types of recommended fillings. When choosing the right filling, cost, allergies, aesthetics, and many other factors should be considered.

• Amalgam (silver) fillings are highly durable and relatively inexpensive. Their dark colour tends to be more noticeable which is why they are generally used for the less visible back teeth
• Porcelain fillings are always custom-made and bonded to the decayed tooth. They are resistant to staining and can be colour-matched to the tooth. The cost is slightly higher than amalgam fillings.

How do I know if I need a filling?

Tooth filling is very common and is the best, most cost-effective option when a tooth is still in its early stages of decay. However, if the decay or fracture has damaged a large area of the tooth or has reached the nerve, you may require a crown, root-canal therapy, or tooth extraction instead.

Only your dentist can check for initial signs of tooth decay so keep your visits within the recommended frequency!