Dental Fillings

Today’s Tooth Restoration Options Look Great!

If you have decayed or cracked teeth, we may recommend a filling to maintain the integrity of the tooth structure and prevent further damage. Cavities that are left untreated can weaken the tooth and need to be filled as soon as possible. If you have cavities on any of your front teeth, we may recommend a tooth colored restoration to improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Why Do I Need a Filling?

Some of the key reasons why you need to get a filling include:

• Prevent further damage from dental caries, cavities, or tooth decay

• Ward off nerve damage

• Prevent tooth loss

• Restore functioning of the tooth and smile

• Reduces bacteria in the mouth

• Makes cleaning your teeth easier and less painful

• Prevents bad breath

• Strengthens the teeth

Types of Dental Fillings

Many patients do not realize that there are several different types of dental fillings. Fillings can be made of a variety of materials, including silver, composite resin, porcelain, and gold alloy. The different types of dental fillings include:

• Dental amalgam or silver fillings

• Composite resin, or tooth colored restorations (see below)

• Resin lonomer

• Glass loonier

• Ceramic (porcelain)

• Gold alloy

• Base metal alloy

Inlays and onlays are typically used to restore teeth in the back of the mouth and are completely bonded to the tooth structure. The inlay fills the hole inside the tooth and the onlay sits on top to build up the shape of the tooth. These tooth restoration treatments allow us to save as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.

We take several factors into account when determining what type of filling or tooth restoration procedure is right for you. Dental filling materials, strength, esthetic benefits, and longevity are some things to consider when you are undergoing any type of tooth restoration procedure.

About Tooth Colored Restorations

Tooth colored restorations are often performed on the front or visible teeth. These dental filings are usually composite resin fillings and are very effective for strengthening the tooth and recreating the missing tooth structure. Even though they are more expensive than amalgam fillings, they are designed to closely match the tooth’s natural appearance and can restore up to 95% of the original strength of the tooth.

Some of the benefits of tooth colored restorations include:

• Highly durable material

• Saves decayed teeth

• Require less tooth reduction, thereby conserving more of the natural teeth

• Minimal tooth sensitivity

• Easy to repair if they are damaged

• Can be performed to cosmetically change look or shape of the teeth

• Can close gaps or repair chipped teeth