FILLINGS

Dental fillings are considered to be a type of “restorative dentistry treatment”. They are designed to repair cavities or in some cases, to fix small chips or cracks in your teeth that do not require a full veneer, crown, or implant to fix.

Dental fillings may also be referred to as:

  • Tooth fillings.

  • Cavity fillings.

  • Dental restorations. (This term encompasses a range of treatments that restore teeth, such as fillings, inlays, onlays, bridges and crowns.)

Causes

When decay-causing bacteria come into contact with sugars and starches on and in between your teeth, they form an acid. That acid mixes with the bacteria, food, and saliva to cause a sticky substance called “plaque” to coat your teeth. Without proper brushing and flossing, acids in plaque dissolve tooth enamel, causing it to lose minerals, and creating cavities, or holes, in the enamel surface.

If the tooth is continues to be exposed to this acid without proper dental care, the enamel will continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay.

In many cases, tooth decay can actually be halted or reversed at this stage. Your enamel can repair itself with the minerals from saliva and fluoride from toothpaste or through the application of fluoride by a dentist or dental hygienist. However, if more minerals are lost than can be restored, the enamel will weaken and eventually break down, forming a cavity, or dental caries.

Severe decay can lead to a larger hole or even the destruction of the entire tooth. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Exam, Preparation, and Filling

The treatment for cavities is a dental filling. First, Dr. Peck examines the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining and the clinical judgment of Dr. Peck. Next, he administers a local anesthetic to numb the area. He will then remove damaged or decayed tissue from your tooth using specialized instruments. Next, he will fill the newly decay-free hole with dental filling material (more on that below). Dr. Peck will polish and smooth any rough edges, and then check your bite to make sure everything feels the way it should.

Dental Composites

Dental composites (also known as tooth colored fillings) allow us to restore your tooth in a manner that allows both strength and beauty. These materials are bonded to the tooth, and, along with our cavity detecting dye and the high power microscope, allow us to have a high degree of predictability. We take more time doing these procedures than you may be used to, but feel it is time well spent when you experience less sensitivity and more longevity from your filling.

Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth-colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable), but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contains fluoride, restorations can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result is a beautiful smile!

Disadvantages Of Silver Fillings

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and creates an environment where cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. They can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums. This is why we choose not to perform this type of filling.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored restorations.

Replacing Silver Fillings With A Tooth-Colored Restoration

If you have old silver fillings that you would like to replace with stronger tooth-colored restorations, the process is simple! It does require two appointments.

Your First Appointment

  • The old filling is removed and any additional decay.

  • An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.

  • A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.

At the lab, resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look like your natural tooth.

Your Second Appointment

  • The temporary onlay is removed.

  • A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.

  • Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.

  • The tooth is then polished.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger, and the tooth is protected!

If you are concerned you may have a cavity or other issue that would require treatment, give us a call today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Peck.