Introduction

Advances in dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural looking tooth fillings. Researchers continue to develop esthetically attractive materials that mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

Today, more people request for tooth coloured or white fillings because they want their teeth to look natural when they laugh, talk and smile.

Because they blend well with tooth enamel, your dentist may recommend them for fillings of front teeth.

If the decayed area is large or is subjected to heavy chewing pressure, the dentist may recommend other types of material or restoration.

What Are Tooth Coloured Fillings?

Tooth coloured or white fillings, also called composite fillings, are mainly made of :-

• Filler particles
• Synthetic resin matrix
• Coupling against oral setting ingredient

They restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth.

Other types of white fillings include composite inlays and porcelain inlays and onlays. They are used to restore teeth that are badly damaged by decay or wear. They may be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth when esthetics is of concern.

Is The Treatment Procedure Complicated?

The procedure for a composite filling may take a little longer than that for other types of fillings.

After the decay is removed, the tooth must be kept totally isolated from saliva.

The dentist then carefully applies an adhesive followed by several thin layers of the tooth-coloured composite.

Once the filling is in place, it is chemically hardened, or cured, for less than a minute with a special light.

What Is Their Advantage As Compared To Other Dental Restoration

They require less removal of sound tooth structure to hold the filling in place. This is due to the ability to bond of composite to teeth.

Is There Any Related Side Effects?

Some people may experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures in the newly filled tooth for a few days or for as long as a week. If the sensitivity continues beyond that time, contact your dentist.

How Long Will This Filling Last?

White fillings, like other dental materials, may require periodic replacement. If the edge of the filling pulls away from the tooth, bacteria can get between the filling and the enamel and may cause tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups are important because they allow a dentist to detect a problem in the early stage.

Cost

Some white fillings may be more expensive than other dental materials but most patients find these natural-looking restorations well worth the additional cost.

The cost of tooth coloured composite filling is only RM2 per tooth at any government dental clinic. However at private clinic, the cost varies from practice to practice.