Teeth R Us Children’s Dentistry

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Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings

Cavity and Tooth Fillings

Dental fillings are the most common reason for adults to visit a dentist. A filling is a simple restoration procedure primarily used to restore cavities or other mild decay or deterioration. We offer composite white fillings which are tooth-colored and appear more natural for teeth that are visible and easier for others to see or notice.

Cavity and tooth fillings are required because of the deterioration that leaves holes in the tooth due to tooth decay. If cavities are left unchecked, the decay will continue to spread and damage the tooth. Dentists will clean away the decay inside the cavity to prevent further damage. This will not fix the damage that has already been created by the cavity, so a filling is necessary. The filling is used to replace the part of the tooth that is missing or destroyed by tooth decay. The dentist molds the filling to match the shape of the surrounding tooth, which restores the strength and integrity of the tooth and prevents further decay from happening.

The Drawbacks of Silver Fillings for Your Teeth

There are several drawbacks to using silver dental fillings. Firstly, the edges of the filling may wear down or break over time, which can leave the tooth vulnerable to further decay. Additionally, the metal in silver fillings may expand and contract with age, causing the filling to crack or break.

Another issue with silver fillings is their high mercury content. This can lead to corrosion and staining on the teeth and gums. The safety of mercury in dental fillings has been a topic of debate, and many patients may prefer to avoid it altogether.

Finally, silver fillings are quite noticeable and can affect the appearance of your smile, particularly in visible teeth. Many patients opt for tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin or porcelain to avoid this issue.

If you have silver fillings and are concerned about their safety or appearance, it’s worth discussing your options with your dentist. There are many modern and effective alternatives to silver fillings that can provide a safer and more aesthetically pleasing solution for your dental needs.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Dental Restorations

Tooth-colored restorations are a great option for those who have lost a significant amount of tooth structure. They offer a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth, making the tooth remain intact and stronger.

These restorations contain fluoride, which helps prevent decay and promote dental health. As they wear like natural teeth, they don’t require placement at the gum line, making them healthier for gums.

Tooth-colored restorations are also more aesthetically pleasing, blending in seamlessly with natural teeth. In summary, tooth-colored dental restorations offer superior fit, strength, and durability, promoting overall dental health and providing a more beautiful smile.

First Appointment

  1. Removing the Old Filling: The old filling and any additional decay are removed from the tooth.

  2. Taking an Impression: An impression is made of your teeth. This is used to create a model of your teeth, which is sent to the lab.

  3. Placing a Temporary Onlay: A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth to protect it while the permanent onlay is being created.

Second Appointment

  1. Removing the Temporary Onlay: The temporary onlay is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and prepared for the permanent onlay.

  2. Applying a Conditioning Gel: A conditioning gel is applied to the tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.

  3. Applying Bonding Cement: Bonding cement is applied to the tooth, and a high-intensity light is used to bond the resin to the tooth.

  4. Polishing the Tooth: The tooth is then polished to give it a natural look and feel.

First Appointment

  1. Removing the Old Filling: The old filling and any additional decay are removed from the tooth.
  2. Taking an Impression: An impression is made of your teeth. This is used to create a model of your teeth, which is sent to the lab.
  3. Placing a Temporary Onlay: A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth to protect it while the permanent onlay is being created.

Second Appointment

  1. Removing the Temporary Onlay: The temporary onlay is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and prepared for the permanent onlay.
  2. Applying a Conditioning Gel: A conditioning gel is applied to the tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
  3. Applying Bonding Cement: Bonding cement is applied to the tooth, and a high-intensity light is used to bond the resin to the tooth.
  4. Polishing the Tooth: The tooth is then polished to give it a natural look and feel.

After the dental onlay procedure, your teeth will be restored to their natural look and feel, and they will be stronger and better protected. With proper care and maintenance, your onlay can provide a long-lasting restoration that helps keep your teeth healthy and strong.