What is a deep filling and what are its benefits?

When a tooth has sustained a small localized area of decay or breakage, it can be repaired by a number of
restorative options such as composite. Composite is a white or tooth-coloured material that when used with an
adhesive agent can bond to a tooth. By placing a composite filling a damaged tooth can be repaired with the intent to
regain function and esthetics. When dental caries is present we elect to use materials such as but not limited to Biodentine®, a calcium silicate-based material to fully replace dentin, both in the crown and in the root wherever dentin is damaged, below the composite restoration, with the aim of avoiding the near-inevitable need for root canal treatment in a tooth.

What are its risks?

We know with this specific tooth that indeed the cavity/decay/breakage is very close to the nerve of the tooth and the choice to fill the tooth is taken with this knowledge as an alternative to immediately proceeding with root canal treatment at this stage as my clinician feels there may be a way to avoid root canal treatment in the short term.

This choice option is not 100% successful, even though in many cases it is, and thus the need for root canal treatment depending on the tooth's response may be unavoidable.

Complications may indeed include the need for:

1. Further treatment of the tooth itself or need for a nerve-treatment/crown/extraction: After all decay has been removed and a tooth
has been fixed with composite, it is the patient’s responsibility to maintain the tooth as per the advice of the clinician otherwise new decay can form around the completed composite. In this case, the tooth may
need to be retreated with a crown, nerve treatment/crown, or even extraction. 

Financial responsibility of ANY retreatment is the patient’s responsibility.

2. Sensitivity of Teeth: Often after a deep filling of a tooth, the prepared tooth may
exhibit sensitivity. The sensitivity may be mild to severe. The sensitivity may last only for a short period of time or may
last for much longer periods of time. If such sensitivity is persistent or lasts for extended periods of time, I agree
to notify the dentist as this may be a sign of more serious problems or indication that the tooth requires further treatment.

3. Need for Nerve Treatment: Teeth after being filled may develop a condition known as pulpitis or pulpal
degeneration. This happens approximately 15% of the time. Every effort is made by the dentist to reduce this from
happening, but since teeth contain vital tissue the pulp may become irreversibly inflamed. This may even occur when
the tooth had no previous history of being sensitive. Should a root canal become necessary the procedure and its
fees are the responsibility of the patient.

INFORMED CONSENT

I have been given the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the nature and purpose of a deep filling, and have received answers to my satisfaction. I voluntarily accept any and all risks,
including those listed above and including the risk of substantial harm, if any, which may be associated
with any phase of this treatment, in hopes of obtaining the desired results, which may or may not be
achieved. By signing this document, I am freely giving my consent to allow and authorise
my dentist to render any treatment necessary and/or advisable to my dental conditions, including the prescribing and
administering of any medications and/or anaesthetics, deemed necessary to my treatment.