Fillings
A filling, or restoration, is a way to restore a decayed or broken tooth.
If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, then clean the affected area and fill the cleaned-out cavity with a restorative material. This filling will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.
Composite resins, or tooth colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture. They can be used on either front or back teeth, and our shade selections ensure your filling will blend beautifully with your natural teeth. Additionally, because they bond to the tooth structure, they work to reinforce the filled tooth better than metal fillings do. For these reasons we primarily use tooth colored composites for our fillings, though some circumstances may necessitate another material.
There are a variety of filling materials available including silver, resin and porcelain. We will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, the location of the filling and the cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:
Amalgam fillings, sometimes referred to as silver fillings, were once the primary restorative material used on back teeth. The esthetic appeal of composite fillings, as well as their bond to the tooth structure, has led to a decrease in amalgam use. However, during treatment some circumstances may arise which indicate amalgam placement. We will discuss this with you in that event.
Composite (plastic) resin fillings are designed to match the exact color of the patient’s teeth, creating a more natural appearance. They work by bonding to your tooth structure, helping to support and stabilize your tooth. While these tooth-colored fillings are less noticeable than other materials, they are prone staining from coffee, tea or tobacco and may need to be replaced over time. As with all filling materials, the larger the filling, the more prone they are to chipping and wear. In this case, we will advise you that a crown may be needed in the future.
Porcelain fillings, called inlays or onlays, are created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched precisely to the color of your tooth and they are resistant to staining. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.
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