Dental Fillings in Gibraltar: What You Need to Know
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, wear or minor fractures. By removing the affected part of the tooth and restoring the area, the aim is to protect the remaining tooth structure and allow the tooth to function normally again.
Fillings do not necessarily last forever. Over time they can wear, crack, loosen or develop problems around their edges. Regular dental examinations can help identify changes before they become more extensive.
Think you may need a filling? A dentist needs to examine the tooth to determine whether there is decay, whether an existing filling needs replacing, or whether another type of restoration would be more appropriate.
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a restoration placed into a tooth after damaged or decayed tooth tissue has been removed. It restores the area left behind and helps protect the tooth from further damage.
Fillings may be needed when dental decay has created a cavity, but they can also be used in certain cases where a tooth has become worn, chipped or otherwise damaged.
When might you need a dental filling?
Dental decay does not always produce obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is one reason routine examinations are important. As a cavity progresses, however, you may begin to notice changes.
Possible signs include:
- Tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- A visible hole or damaged area in a tooth
- Food repeatedly becoming trapped in the same area
- A rough or sharp area on an existing filling
- A filling that feels loose or has broken
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a filling is required. An examination is needed to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
Composite or white dental fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured restorations designed to blend more naturally with the surrounding tooth. Their colour can be matched closely to the existing teeth, making them a common option for visible areas of the mouth as well as many back teeth.
The suitability of a composite filling depends on the tooth, the amount of remaining healthy tooth structure and the size and position of the restoration. Larger areas of damage may sometimes require a different type of restoration.
Composite fillings and tooth restoration in Gibraltar
If you are looking for treatment rather than general information, you can read more about our composite fillings and crowns in Gibraltar , including the different ways a damaged tooth can be restored.
What happens when a dental filling is placed?
The dentist first examines the tooth and assesses the extent of the damaged or decayed area. The affected tissue is removed and the remaining tooth is prepared for the restoration.
The filling material is then placed and shaped so that it fits the tooth and works correctly with your bite. With composite restorations, the material is placed and hardened before being shaped and polished.
The exact procedure depends on the size and position of the filling and the condition of the tooth.
Why do dental fillings wear down?
Fillings are exposed to pressure every time we bite and chew. Over time, this repeated force can gradually wear the restoration.
The edge between a filling and the natural tooth is also an important area to keep clean. Plaque and food debris can accumulate around difficult-to-clean areas, and decay can develop around or underneath an existing restoration.
Because this process may not initially cause discomfort, periodic dental examinations are useful for checking the condition of older fillings.
Problems that can affect an existing filling
Cracked filling
A filling can crack as a result of repeated biting forces, wear or excessive pressure. A problem with the way the teeth meet can also place additional force on a restoration.
Loose or lost filling
A restoration can eventually loosen or become detached from the tooth. If a filling falls out, the tooth should be assessed rather than simply left exposed.
Worn filling
Fillings gradually experience wear through everyday chewing. The amount of wear varies depending on the tooth, the restoration and the forces placed upon it.
Decay around a filling
Natural tooth structure around an existing filling can still develop dental decay. The dentist may recommend replacing the restoration if decay develops around or underneath it.
How long does a dental filling last?
There is no single lifespan that applies to every filling. How long a restoration lasts depends on factors such as its size, position, material, oral hygiene and the amount of pressure placed on the tooth.
Some fillings remain serviceable for many years, while others may need replacement sooner. Rather than replacing a filling simply because of its age, the dentist can assess its condition during routine examinations.
Bruxism and dental fillings
People who clench or grind their teeth can place considerably more pressure on both natural teeth and dental restorations. Repeated grinding may contribute to wear, cracks or fractures in fillings.
If you regularly clench or grind your teeth, particularly at night, you can also read our information about bruxism and teeth grinding .
How to take care of dental fillings
A restored tooth still needs the same regular care as the rest of your teeth. Good oral hygiene helps protect the natural tooth around the restoration.
- Brush thoroughly every day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth regularly
- Attend routine dental examinations
- Do not ignore new sensitivity or pain around a restored tooth
- Arrange an assessment if a filling feels loose, rough or fractured
- Discuss tooth grinding with your dentist if you regularly clench or grind
When should an old filling be replaced?
An old filling does not automatically need replacement simply because it has been present for several years. The important question is whether the restoration and the surrounding tooth remain healthy and functional.
Replacement may be considered when a filling is broken, significantly worn, no longer properly sealed, or when decay has developed around it.
The dentist will also assess how much healthy tooth remains. If a tooth has lost a larger amount of structure, another type of restoration may sometimes be more suitable than simply placing a larger filling.
Frequently asked questions about dental fillings
Can decay develop underneath a filling?
Decay can develop in the natural tooth around the margins of an existing restoration. It may sometimes progress without causing noticeable symptoms at first, which is why dental examinations remain important even when a filling feels normal.
Can a cracked filling be repaired?
It depends on the condition of the filling and the tooth underneath it. In some situations the restoration needs to be replaced. The dentist must first examine the tooth to determine the extent of the problem.
What should I do if a filling falls out?
Arrange a dental assessment so that the exposed tooth and the reason the restoration was lost can be examined. Avoid repeatedly chewing hard foods on the affected tooth until it has been assessed.
Are composite fillings tooth coloured?
Yes. Composite restorations can be selected to closely match the colour of the surrounding natural tooth, which is why they are commonly referred to as white or tooth-coloured fillings.
Do all cavities cause pain?
No. Dental decay can sometimes develop without causing noticeable pain during its earlier stages. A dental examination can identify problems that may not yet be producing symptoms.
Concerned about a filling or tooth?
If you have a broken or lost filling, tooth sensitivity, or think you may have dental decay, we can examine the tooth and explain the treatment options available to you at Tafur Dental Clinic in Gibraltar.
Contact Tafur Dental Clinic Gibraltar