White Fillings

At Smile Clinic Slovakia our dentists want to make sure our patients have a beautiful smile and healthy mouth. Here are some ways you can ensure dental health.

How do I eliminate cavities?

Many people are just prone to cavities, but the best way to eliminate cavities is to have regular check-ups or hygienic cleaning/polishing twice a year.

We suggest patients floss and brush their teeth after every meal. We know that’s not always possible, but it will significantly reduce the possibility of ever having a tooth ache or needing to have a cavity filled. Without proper care, teeth will become decayed. The bacteria in our mouth and between our teeth will start to ware against the tooth and eat away at the enamel and the tooth itself will become “infected.” This will cause pain as the nerves from the root of the tooth will be affected and are very sensitive.

Why should I replace my metal fillings with white fillings?

If you have any metal (amalgam fillings) you should have them removed and exchanged for white fillings to minimize your exposure to mercury vapor and particles. Therefore, at Smile Clinic we only do metal-free dentistry such as white fillings if needed.

Dental fillings are used to restore teeth or a tooth that has been damaged by tooth decay. Many dentists used to use metal or silver amalgam fillings, but in time, we learned that the mercury contained in these fillings is harmful. Because of this, patients want metal fillings removed to white fillings. Composite fillings will provide you with a safer, more pleasant looking smile. Most fillings can be completed in one visit.

What is a composite filling?

A composite filling is also known as resin or white filling and has been used by dentists for about 20 years. These composites are made-up of organic materials known as bisphenol-aglycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA), and other materials like quartz or aluminum silicate, which is why they are known as composite (more than one material). These fillings can actually strengthen the tooth and are visually appealing blending in with other teeth because they don’t “show” the filling.

Porcelain or gold are sometimes used in dental fillings. Porcelain and gold fillings are most commonly called inlays. Porcelain is also a composite made-up of a non-crystalline glass composed of silicon and oxygen. Many patients like the porcelain filling because, like the white fillings, it doesn’t show the patient has any fillings. However, porcelain is brittle and can break easily. If a patient decides on porcelain fillings they need to realize they will be spending more money and time in the dental chair. It may also require more than one visit because the process is much more of a delicate technique.

Ultimately you as the patient should decide with your dentist as to what is the best filling for your particular situation. At Smile Clinic we are committed to providing you with the best information to make a sound decision for your dental treatment.

How can I Safely Remove Mercury Amalgam Fillings?

The system our Smile Clinic dentists follow when removing mercury amalgam fillings is designed to minimize your exposure to mercury vapor and particles.

Safe Amalgam Filling Removal:

1. We keep the fillings cool during removal. Drilling out an amalgam filling generates a tremendous amount of heat, which causes a dramatic increase in the release of mercury, both as a vapour and in amalgam particles, during the entire removal process. Cooling the filling with water and air while drilling dramatically reduces the amount of mercury vapour the filling releases. This involves less drilling, because the dentist only drills enough to cut the filling into chunks, which can then be easily removed by a hand instrument or suction.
2. We use a high-volume vacuum evacuator that helps capture the mercury vapor and particles together with a continuous flow of air and water.
3. We let lots of fresh air into the surgery which is more important for the dentist and assistant than the average patient.
4. We use a rubber dam. A rubber dam isolates the tooth or teeth being worked on. This reduces the amount of mercury vapour inhaled through the mouth and makes it easier to dispose of the filling material and prevent amalgam particles from being swallowed. As long as the patient breathes through the nose, little if any mercury vapour will pass through the rubber dam.
5. Metal fillings are usually then replaced with white fillings, inlays/onlays or possibly a crown if  the decay is very severe.

How much does a white filling cost?

Because white fillings are considered “cosmetic” you can only have them done privately. The typical UK private dentistry price is around £149. The current price to change a metal filling to a white one with Smile Clinic is €91.

How long does a white filling take to do?

Typically a white filling is much more complicated and time consuming that doing a metal amalgam filling. However you can expect to be in the dental chair for 15-30 mins per filling dependent on the dentist, size, difficulty, and position of the white filling to be done. And…aftercare is easy. Just continue your regular half-year check-up hygiene and polishing cleaning.

So, if you don’t want to look like the “Jaws” character from the James Bond movies, then come to Smile Clinic Slovakia for all your dental needs, including changing out your silver fillings for white filling perfection! While you are at the Smile Clinic, why not get your half-year dental hygiene treatment, complete with free consultation and x-rays! We speak English as well as Slovak so ex-pats know they will be understood. At Smile Clinic Slovakia we always want you to feel comfortable and pain free at our new facility in Bratislava. We are close to Eurovea Mall with free parking (up to 3 hours) and a short five minute walk from X13, 210 and 28 bus lines.

If you have any more questions about metal filling removal or white fillings, please feel free to ask in the comments box below otherwise get your: