There are a range of dental filling materials available, including amalgam, tooth-coloured and composite resin. One of the most common dental procedures is the filling. Dental fillings are used to repair and restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, infection, or trauma. There are a variety of different dental fillings available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. So which dental filling is best for you? Read on to find out more about the different filling materials that are available and which one to choose for a safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing treatment. What types of fillings are available? Dental fillings can be made of several different materials. These include silver amalgam (which is made up of various metals); gold; porcelain and composite resin. Each of these materials has their own benefits, but at Hyde Park Dental Care, we prefer to use tooth-coloured filling materials. The benefits of this type of filling include its aesthetic value; its ability to bond well to the structure of the tooth; its versatility and ability to resolve a range of issues; and the fact that it does not require much tooth structure to be removed when preparing for the filling. While other materials are strong and durable, tooth-coloured fillings blend in with the surrounding teeth seamlessly and are completely free from mercury. This makes them both a safe and effective choice. Can amalgam fillings be replaced? There was a time when amalgam fillings were very popular, but these days many patients prefer a more natural-looking aesthetic option. If you have an amalgam filling and are concerned about it, the good news is that it can be replaced with a more modern restoration. The best starting point is to consult with your dentist, who will examine your current filling and let you know what the best course of action is for you. How do you take care of dental fillings? If you have had one or more dental fillings placed, it is important that you practice proper oral hygiene to preserve and maintain the condition of your fillings. We recommend that our patients brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. We also suggest that you come in and see us for a routine check-up and clean every six months so that we can identify and resolve any potential issues as soon as possible. If you suspect that there is a problem with an existing filling, it is important that you see your dentist to discuss the issue. Your dental fillings should feel comfortable in your mouth, so if you notice any pain, sensitivity, chips, or cracks, you should seek treatment immediately. How can we help? At Hyde Park Dental Care, we offer a range of general dentistry services, including dental fillings. We proudly provide our patients with mercury-free materials and offer high-quality, natural-looking tooth-coloured fillings. Our tooth-coloured filling material can be matched to the exact colour of your natural tooth so you can rest assured that the result of your treatment will be aesthetically pleasing. If you have a silver filling that you would like to have removed and replaced, we encourage you to come in and see us. Dr Joffe will guide you through all the restorative dental treatments that are available to you and let you know which one is the most appropriate for you. To find out more about the tooth-coloured fillings that we offer at Hyde Park Dental Care in Sydney, please have a look here. We also offer a comprehensive range of other dental services, including children’s, cosmetic, emergency, general, preventative, restorative, emergency, sleep, and virtually pain-free dentistry. To see our full offering, please have a look here. To book an appointment, please contact us here or give us a call on 02 9267 9526. Our team is dedicated to improving and maintaining your oral health and we look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Hyde Park Square, Sydney. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.