Restorations (Fillings) and Bonding

Dental restorations, often known as “fillings”, are often performed to:

Restore or repair teeth with cavities, fractures

Change the shape of the teeth

Enhance the appearance of discoloured or internally stained teeth

Close gaps between teeth

Reduce sensitivity when used on exposed root surfaces

Restore teeth for short-term in-between treatments or teeth with guarded prognosis (temporary fillings)

Restorations may be tooth-coloured or non-tooth coloured.
Different filling materials have different uses and indications.
Some fillings are indirectly made (fabricated in the laboratory). These include Inlays/ Onlays/ Veneers.
A veneer is a special thin filling that is placed over a tooth to improve the appearance of the tooth. It can be made of composite, or porcelain.
Your dentist will assess your tooth condition and advice on a suitable filling.

Remember, early detection of problems such as decay will improve the outcome of the restorative treatment.
In some situations, the teeth may be so badly damaged that fillings alone may not be viable or feasible.
A badly decayed tooth may be weakened structurally and a crown/ inlay/ onlay may be indicated as a long-term solution.
A deep cavity may affect the pulp (nerve) tissues of the tooth, causing severe toothache and may sometimes lead to the need for root canal treatment or even extraction.