When dental decay compromises a tooth's structural integrity, a filling is placed to rebuild its natural form and restore its strength and function. Tooth decay remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting both children and adults worldwide.
At Smile Restore Dentistry, our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing precise and gentle treatment for dental fillings. We maintain a position at the forefront of advances in care, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of aesthetically pleasing and durable dental fillings. Our commitment to excellence means you can trust us with your oral health needs.
Dental fillings have been an essential part of restorative dentistry for centuries. Archaeological findings suggest that efforts to place dental fillings date back to around 8000 BC. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that a variety of metal fillings, including dental amalgam, became widely used.
Dental amalgam, a mixture of mercury and an alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper, offered a less expensive, durable, and simpler alternative to gold fillings. Until recent decades, the vast majority of dental fillings were silver-colored amalgam restorations. However, advancements in dentistry over the last 50 years have introduced new filling materials that are mercury-free, metal-free, and more aesthetic.
The history of dental fillings is a testament to the evolution of dental technology and materials. Early attempts at dental restorations were rudimentary and often ineffective. However, with the advent of modern dentistry, the development of new filling materials has revolutionized the way we approach tooth decay.
Traditional dental materials like gold and amalgam have been in use for over a century. Gold fillings, though expensive, are strong, long-lasting, and biocompatible. Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, offer durability and strength at a lower cost. However, recent advances have led to the introduction of more aesthetically pleasing and durable materials.
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored or white fillings, consist of a combination of biocompatible resins and finely ground, glass-like filler materials. These fillings are available in a range of natural-looking shades and offer a cosmetically pleasing alternative to traditional silver fillings. Composite resins are also used in dental bonding procedures to improve a tooth's color or shape, mask defects, or close minor gaps between teeth.
Composite fillings adhere to natural tooth structure through a bonding process, which also serves to seal and strengthen the tooth. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite restorations do not require extensive removal of tooth structure for placement and are not subject to expansion or contraction with temperature changes. However, they can be more vulnerable to wear and staining over time.
In addition to composite fillings, several other advanced materials have emerged as viable options for dental restorations. Glass ionomer cements, for example, bond to the tooth's surface to provide a tight seal between the tooth and surrounding oral environment. These materials also slowly release fluoride to strengthen and protect the involved tooth from future decay.
Glass ionomer fillings are most frequently used to treat baby teeth, cavities near the gumline, and in temporary fillings due to their lower durability compared to other filling materials. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays, fabricated from high-quality dental porcelain and ceramics, offer exceptional stain and wear resistance.
These restorations provide durable, attractive, and long-lasting results. Unlike "direct" fillings such as dental amalgam and composite fillings, which are placed immediately after the tooth is prepared, "indirect" fillings like inlays or onlays are fabricated outside of the mouth before insertion and cementation or bonding.
Gold fillings remain an excellent restoration option despite their higher cost. With superior physical and chemical properties, gold fillings are strong, long-lasting, kind to surrounding tissues, and stable over time. However, due to advancements in dental materials, composite and ceramic fillings have become the preferred choice for many patients seeking aesthetic and durable restorations.
While traditional dental materials like gold and amalgam have been in use for over a century, recent advances in dental technology have made a more expansive and improved selection of restorative choices widely available. Beyond offering strength and durability, these new filling materials provide aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results.
The introduction of composite fillings has significantly enhanced the field of dentistry. These tooth-colored fillings are composed of biocompatible resins and finely ground glass particles, making them highly durable once set. Composite fillings are available in various shades to match natural teeth perfectly.
One key advantage of composite fillings is their ability to bond directly to the tooth structure through a bonding process. This not only seals and strengthens the tooth but also reduces the need for extensive removal of healthy tooth material. Moreover, composite fillings do not expand or contract with temperature changes, unlike amalgam fillings.
However, it's essential to note that composite restorations can be more susceptible to wear and staining over time compared to other materials. Therefore, they may require replacement in the future. Nonetheless, their aesthetic benefits and conservative preparation make them a popular choice for many patients.
For many years, amalgam fillings were the standard of care for restoring decayed teeth. These silver-colored fillings are strong, durable, and less likely to break or wear down compared to some other types of fillings. Although they lack the cosmetic appeal of composite materials, amalgam fillings remain a reliable option for certain situations.
Amalgam fillings consist of a mixture of mercury and an alloy of silver, tin, and copper. They are cost-effective and can be placed quickly, making them suitable for larger cavities or areas where aesthetics are less of a concern. However, due to environmental concerns and the availability of more aesthetic materials, amalgam fillings are used less frequently today.
Glass Ionomers
Another type of white filling material is glass ionomer cements. These materials bond directly to the tooth's surface, providing a tight seal that helps prevent further decay. Glass ionomers also release fluoride over time, which strengthens the tooth and protects it from future decay.
Due to their lower durability compared to other filling materials, glass ionomers are typically used for treating baby teeth, cavities near the gumline, and in temporary fillings. They offer a natural-looking restoration that blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth but may not be as long-lasting as composite or ceramic fillings.
Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are fabricated from high-quality dental porcelain and ceramics. These restorations offer exceptional stain and wear resistance, providing durable, attractive, and long-lasting results. Ceramic materials closely mimic the natural appearance of teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas.
Unlike direct fillings such as composite or amalgam, which are placed immediately after tooth preparation, indirect fillings like inlays or onlays are fabricated outside of the mouth before insertion and bonding. This process ensures a precise fit and optimal aesthetics but may require multiple visits to complete.
Gold fillings have been used for dental restorations for centuries due to their superior physical and chemical properties. They are strong, long-lasting, biocompatible, and stable over time. Gold fillings are less common today due to advancements in dental materials but remain an excellent option for patients seeking a durable and reliable restoration.
Although gold fillings are more expensive than other materials, their longevity and minimal impact on surrounding tissues make them a worthwhile investment for many patients.
At Smile Restore Dentistry, we prioritize patient care and comfort throughout the process of treating cavities and placing fillings. Our skilled team ensures that you are well-informed every step of the way, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
Treating a cavity involves the precise and gentle removal of decayed and damaged tooth structure. The type of filling material being used determines the manner of placement. Composite fillings, glass ionomer cements, and amalgam fillings are typically placed right away. However, in cases of extensive decay, a temporary dressing may be applied before placing the permanent filling.
Our office understands that every patient and smile is unique. We take the time to explain all your options in care, including the type of dental filling materials we offer to restore your tooth. Our goal is to provide you with healthy, durable, long-lasting, and cosmetically pleasing results tailored to your specific needs.
During the procedure, your tooth will be completely numb under local anesthesia, ensuring you do not feel any discomfort. A dental drill, laser, or air abrasion technology can be used to remove decay. Once the cavity is excavated and healthy tooth structure remains, it's time to place the filling. We meticulously check the fit, perform necessary polishing, and adjust the bite to ensure your optimal comfort and function.
For patients who are anxious about dental work, Smile Restore Dentistry offers gentle dentistry and various options in sedation dentistry to make your visit comfortable and stress-free.
At Smile Restore Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients enjoy optimal oral health and keeping them well-informed every step of the way. After the placement of a new filling, it's essential to keep the following in mind:
You may experience short-term sensitivity
It's perfectly normal for a tooth to feel slightly sensitive following the placement of a filling. You may experience a twinge when eating cold or hot foods and beverages.
This sensitivity should subside independently within a few days. If your sensitivity worsens, you experience ongoing pain, or develop any other symptoms, it's important to contact Smile Restore Dentistry right away so we can address the issue promptly.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to us for more information. Smile Restore Dentistry is here to support your oral health journey with expertise and care.
If the pleasure of eating a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping a soothing cup of tea gets overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince; it's time to contact our office. As skilled providers of care, we'll determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on the road to oral health.
Cavities develop because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to tooth structure. Despite starting as a pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay progressively compromises more and more healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of your tooth.
Yes, you can still develop tooth decay on other surfaces of the tooth, around the margins of an old filling, or in fewer instances, recurrent decay underneath it. For this reason, it's essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary beverages and sweets, and be sure to visit our office for routine checkups and care. While tooth decay is second only to the common cold in frequency, it's almost entirely preventable.
We value the time and comfort of our patients. If cavities are located on adjacent teeth, or in the same section of your smile, it may be possible to treat more than one tooth during your visit. However, how much is done each visit depends on several factors. We keep our patients well informed and tailor every treatment plan and visit to address their unique needs.
Addressing concerns on the presence of elemental mercury in silver fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA, and the World Health Organization have all stated that amalgam restorations do not pose a risk to health. However, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to the metals in dental amalgam are advised to pursue other restorative options.
Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The involved tooth remains completely numb for the extent of your visit. Within one or two hours after the procedure is completed, the local anesthetic will gradually wear off, and normal sensations return.
A tooth-colored composite filling is fully hardened and set by the end of your visit. However, we may advise you to wait a couple of hours until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. This advice is to help ensure you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while still numb.
The lifetime of a dental filling varies depending on the type of material used. While popular dental materials can last a decade or more with proper care, they can degrade over time, wear down, or even break. When this happens, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, a jagged edge, or a loose or dislodged piece of filling material. Whatever the case may be, it's essential to get the filling replaced before the tooth sustains further damage or other consequences arise. Beyond taking good care of your smile to help ensure the longevity of your fillings, our office regularly checks the status of your existing fillings as part of a routine checkup exam.
Dental fillings are an essential investment that serves to preserve and protect the health of your smile. With that said, how much a filling costs depends on the number of surfaces of the tooth involved and the filling material that is used. Amalgam restorations are the most economical. While tooth-colored composite fillings have a slightly higher cost, they offer the added benefits of being metal-free and much more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are more expensive than the preceding options but provide outstanding, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
Dental insurances typically cover the cost of dental fillings. While we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. At the office of Smile Restore Dentistry, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
