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Treatment of holes in the teeth

Not so long ago, dentists drilled big holes even in small caries. Now-days these are treated much more carefully.

We treat your teeth as gently as possible, but if the hole in the tooth has become too large, we must add a filling. It can be chosen from a variety of filling materials and techniques.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has prepared new guidelines for the use of dental filling materials from July 1, 2003. These emphasize that we will use tissue-saving dental filling techniques, and we therefore no longer use amalgam as a filling material. Below you will be able to read brief descriptions of the materials we use.

Materials we use as dental fillings

Composite consists of a mixture of porcelain particles and plastic, approx. 70% porcelain and 30% plastic. A composite filler works best as a front filler and for small and medium holes in the grinders. A major advantage is that the filling is cemented to the remaining part of the tooth, and this filling is therefore tissue-saving. Also, composite is tooth-colored and we take out color that suits your teeth after swatches.

Glass ionomer is a tooth-colored filling material containing fluorine. Glass ionomer is suitable for tooth decay and repair of old fillings. This material is less resistant to chewing pressure and is therefore not suitable for chewing surfaces. This material can be a good alternative for patients who have easy tooth punctures, as the material contains some fluoride.

The process is the same with gold inlay. The tooth is sanded and we take the imprint. The impression is sent to the technician, who makes the filling, which is cemented to your tooth. You must come twice to make one filling. Gold inlay is a strong and good material with a very long life

Porcelain inserts are a good alternative when the hole is so large that composite is not suitable. We can make porcelain inlays directly at the clinic. We grind the tooth and take a digital imprint, our CEREC cutter produces the post and we can cement it the same day. A porcelain insert can be made in a color that fits your tooth perfectly. This material gives a very good aesthetic result and has very good durability.

How to prevent new holes?

We can help you with individual guidance on how to best prevent tooth decay.

Some simple tips:

  • 1
    Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste morning and evening.
  • 2
    Clean between teeth with toothpicks or floss at least once a day.
  • 3
    Avoid sweet between meals – especially sweet soft drinks.
  • 4
    Preferably extra fluorine rinses or tablets daily.

Read more about tooth decay prevention here or ask us for advice!