Caries & Fillings

Dental caries is the disease process of tooth decay. It occurs when bacteria (which accumulate as plaque) consume sugar and produce acid that can dissolve tooth enamel and tooth dentine.

	Fissure caries occurs because plaque becomes trapped in the bottom of the fissure grooves where enamel is very thin and easily penetrated. This is the most common form of caries in children.
	Proximal caries occurs when plaque is allowed to accumulate between teeth. These areas are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, and caries often occurs in patients who do not floss.
	Root caries occurs following bone loss and gum recession (which most commonly results from periodontitis). Because roots are not protected by enamel, caries can progress quickly.

How To Prevent Dental Caries

Your best protection against dental caries is attention to diet and restriction of sugar- containing food and drink. Daily brushing, flossing and the use of an anti-cavity rinse are also essential. Regular in-surgery fluoride treatments (for people who live in areas with non-flouridated water) together with at home prophylaxis are essential for caries prone patients.

Fillings - Materials Used for Tooth Restorations

This information is provided to help you make better decisions about the use of materials as tooth restorations in your mouth. Many types of metals are used in dentistry for the replacement and rehabilitation of oral structures. Most of these metals are considered to be inert when placed in the body while others have been criticized as potential toxins or allergens to some people. Plastic and ceramic are used commonly as tooth restoratives and have not had adverse biologic responses.

Which type of tooth restoration is best for you?

The following information is provided to help you make that decision. Your dentist will give you advice and advantages and disadvantages of each type to allow you to make an informed decision. The best type for you will depend on how big the restoration is, whether it is in a visible part of the mouth and cost.

Your Choices for Fillings

• Silver Amalgam. Average longevity is 15 years, silver color; low initial cost; best in small-to-medium-sized restorations of posterior teeth. This material is no longer used in our practice
• Gold Inlays and Onlays. Gold color; moderate-to-high initial cost; may be used in any size restoration in any location where metal is not displayed. Rarely used in our practice
• Composite Resin (plastic). Tooth-coloured; moderate cost; best-used in small-to-medium-size restorations for any teeth; direct one-day placement.
• Glass Ionomer. Tooth-coloured, fluoride containing plasticised glass filling. Moderately strong so has limited application. Good for fillings in childrens' teeth or as a temporary filling in a patient with a lot of tooth decay, or for gum-line fillings
• Ceramic Direct. (CEREC) Tooth-coloured; moderate-high initial cost; excellent restorative service completed in one appointment