OUR SERVICES
Fillings
Fillings are a way to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or worn down from misuse such as tooth grinding. A filling will prevent further decay by preventing bacteria from entering and will restore your tooth back to its normal function.
There are several types of materials used to fill teeth and we will suggest which best fits your needs based upon the extent of the repair, the area in your mouth where it is needed, and the cost. The most common materials are amalgam (silver colored) and composite resin (tooth colored). Amalgam fillings are durable and relatively inexpensive. However, this alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc is dark colored and more noticeable than composite so we don’t usually use it in highly visible areas of the mouth. Composite resin fillings can be matched to the color of your tooth, which makes them ideal for front teeth and visible areas where a natural look is desired. They are not ideal, however, for large cavities because they may chip or wear over time. Large fillings and cracks can sometimes require a cap or a crown. Composite fillings also may stain with coffee, tea or tobacco use and generally need to be replaced more often than amalgam.
Local anesthesia is usually required to place a filling. After the tooth is anesthetized, we remove all decay and shape a space in your tooth to hold the filling. For bonded fillings the surface of the tooth is first etched with an acid gel to prepare the surface and liquid bonding agent added to lock in the filling. The resin is layered directly on the tooth and hardened with a special light. After the filling has been placed we polish it and check that your bite is in occlusion.
You should expect only minor sensitivity after the anesthetic wears off and be able to chew normally.
There are several types of materials used to fill teeth and we will suggest which best fits your needs based upon the extent of the repair, the area in your mouth where it is needed, and the cost. The most common materials are amalgam (silver colored) and composite resin (tooth colored). Amalgam fillings are durable and relatively inexpensive. However, this alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc is dark colored and more noticeable than composite so we don’t usually use it in highly visible areas of the mouth. Composite resin fillings can be matched to the color of your tooth, which makes them ideal for front teeth and visible areas where a natural look is desired. They are not ideal, however, for large cavities because they may chip or wear over time. Large fillings and cracks can sometimes require a cap or a crown. Composite fillings also may stain with coffee, tea or tobacco use and generally need to be replaced more often than amalgam.
Local anesthesia is usually required to place a filling. After the tooth is anesthetized, we remove all decay and shape a space in your tooth to hold the filling. For bonded fillings the surface of the tooth is first etched with an acid gel to prepare the surface and liquid bonding agent added to lock in the filling. The resin is layered directly on the tooth and hardened with a special light. After the filling has been placed we polish it and check that your bite is in occlusion.
You should expect only minor sensitivity after the anesthetic wears off and be able to chew normally.