Fillings & Restorations

Sometimes the teeth require a little attention in the form of restoration or fillings. Both are materials that help artificially restore the function of the tooth. Different materials are used to construct fillings and restorations which we will discuss further now.

Dental Amalgam

This dental filling has been in the industry for more than 100 years and holds many benefits compared to the alternatives. It’s affordable, strong, durable and contains a bacteria-fighting agent to prevent the reproduction of harmful bacteria.
Amalgam actually has many uses because it is temporarily soft and can be manipulated easily to provide the perfect filling. It gradually hardens on the tooth after it’s applied. Amalgam will last much longer than composite fillings (up to 12 years). However, that may change in the near future with recent findings and improvements in composite materials.

White Fillings (aka Dental Composites)

Dental composites are commonly used for patients needing fillings because they are less noticeable than silver ones since they are the same color as the tooth. While common, dental composites do not possess the level of durability and strength as metal or porcelain. In addition, white fillings are also at higher risk for discoloration and wear.
You likely know someone with mercury (silver) fillings that they had done long ago. Unfortunately, it’s been discovered that these silver fillings can actually weaken the tooth structure and we recommend an alternative.
If you want hardly noticeable fillings you might consider porcelain or tooth-colored options. Both restorations help strengthen your teeth and are pleasing to the eye.

Silver Filling Replacement with On-lays

If you have silver feelings that you want to have replaced with on-lays (tooth-colored restorations) then we would be happy to help. You can expect this to involve two different appointments.
First we will remove the old filling and any present decay. We will then make an impression of your teeth to send off to our lab. We will place a temporary on-lay on your tooth in the meantime.
When the lab receives your impression, they will carefully place a resin inside the impression. Then the designing takes place to make your artificial tooth look just like a natural tooth.
Then at your next appointment, we will remove the temporary filling and apply a conditioning gel to get the tooth ready for your new on-lay. After the conditioning gel we apply a bonding cement that is bonded to the tooth using a high-intensity light. We can then polish the tooth to blend in with your other teeth. And that’s it!
If this sounds like something you want to do or you want to receive more information phone our Martindale Dental office nearest you. Our helpful and friendly receptionists will schedule a consultation for you.