Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What materials are in a Build-up? 

• A Tooth Coloured “composite” filling material
• A silver “amalgam” material

2. What are the benefits to my tooth of a Build-up? 

• It restores a broken down or decayed tooth to the ideal shape needed to accommodate a crown, bridge, inlay, onlay or veneer. 

3. What are the risks to my tooth associated with a Build-up? 

• Preparing and placing a build-up can irritate the tooth and cause “post-operative sensitivity” which may last for up to 3 months
• Teeth that have had build-ups may need a root canal treatment about 6% of the time during the lifetime of the tooth
• A build-up may require the placement of “pins” into the tooth to aid in retention increasing the risk of root canal treatment

4. What are my alternatives to having a Build-up? 

• Removal of the tooth
• Otherwise no treatment alternatives exist besides a buid-up for broken down or decayed teeth rquiring a crown, bridge, inlay, onlay or veneer

5. How may my bite affect a Build-up?

• Excessive biting forces or untreated bite problems may lead to the build-up breaking or loosening
• Excessive biting forces or untreated bite problems may lead to the tooth in which the build has been placed, breaking

6. Are there post-treatment restrictions once I have a Build-up?

• A build-up may break or loosen if chewing very hard or sticky foods.