Informed Consent | Fillings
Fillings are probably the most common types of restorations placed by dentists. To do a filling, the dentist removes the portion of the tooth that is decayed or otherwise damaged and replaces it with some type of man-made material. For years the most common type of filling was an alloy of metals called amalgam. This is still one of the least expensive long lasting material known to repair damaged teeth. Until recently, dentists have been dependant on enough sound tooth structure to provide for undercuts or other type of mechanical means to retain the filling in the tooth. Recent research now makes materials available that can help bond the filling material to the undamaged tooth structure.
The new tooth colored filling materials has been shown to last as long as amalgam fillings in situations where the restorations are not subject to high shear force. In those situations, inlays, onlays, or crowns are usually recommended.
Benefits and alternatives
Fillings are the best way to repair slightly damaged teeth and stop the decay from progressing. Alternatives include ignoring the damage until it gets worse or the tooth is lost, placing an inlay, onlay, or crown, or extracting the damaged tooth. With primary (baby) teeth, it can usually be determined approximately how long it will be until the tooth will be naturally lost and in some cases it is recommended that the damage either be ignored or the damaged tooth extracted.
Comparison of filling types
The basic differences in filling types are based on the material used as the filling. They each have their advantages and disadvantages.
Amalgam fillings
- Advantages
- Less expensive
- Strong and durable
- Usually long lasting
- Covered by all insurance companies
- Disadvantages
- Silver color not considered attractive
- Some dislike that amalgam contains mercury
- Not well suited for front teeth due to color
Composite fillings
- Advantages
- White color looks like natural tooth
- Actually bonds to tooth
- Well suited for small cavities on front teeth
- Disadvantages
- Not as strong as amalgam
- Harder to do / more expensive
- Some insurance companies won’t cover cost
- Often break or loosen requiring replacement
Consequences of not performing treatment
This treatment provides the best chance of preserving and restoring a minimally damaged tooth to comfort and function. Delaying or neglecting treatment could easily result in the tooth becoming more damaged and may even result in an abscess or severe infection.
Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that the filling will be placed properly, although it is not possible to guarantee perfect results. Some fillings fail even after our best effort. By signing the consent form, you acknowledge that you have received adequate information about the proposed treatment, that you understand this information and that all of your questions have been answered fully.