Fillings Specialist

What are fillings?

Dental fillings can be used for filling and sealing a cavity to prevent further decay or damage to the tooth. They can also be used to repair cracked, worn down, or broken teeth. There are several different types of filling materials available including gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, tooth-colored, plastic, and composite resin fillings.

What type of filling is right for me?

No one type of filling is best for everyone. Before determining your situation, Dr. Yakobashvili or Dr. Datikashvili considers the location of the damage, the significance of the damage, and the type of health insurance you have. He’ll also consider your medical history and whether or not you have any allergies.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of filling?

Gold, amalgam, and composite resin fillings all have different strengths and weaknesses.

Gold amalgam

Gold amalgam fillings are incredibly durable and last an average of 10-15 years. If you practice good oral hygiene and avoid bad habits like chewing on ice or biting your fingernails, they can last even longer. In addition, many people find gold fillings more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgam fillings. 

That said, gold fillings are expensive. In fact, they typically cost more than 10 times what an amalgam or composite filling would. Additionally, gold crowns require more than one appointment. 

At your initial consultation, your dentist takes impressions of your tooth and sends your impressions to a laboratory. You return to the office a week or two later to apply your permanent gold filling.

Silver amalgam

Silver amalgam fillings are just as tough as gold fillings, and with proper care, will last between 10-15 years. In addition, silver amalgam can withstand your chewing forces, so you can eat all of your favorite snacks without worrying. 

If you’re worried about people knowing you have fillings, silver amalgam probably isn’t for you. Silver amalgam contains various metals that reflect light, so whenever you open your mouth to laugh, yawn, or speak, they’re fairly visible. In addition, to prepare your tooth for a silver filling, it is suggested to remove healthy parts of your affected tooth’s structure. 

Composite or white fillings

Composite or white fillings use tooth-colored resins to address damage or decay to your teeth. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, white fillings are an excellent option. This is because white fillings mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of your natural tooth enamel. 

In addition, composite fillings are incredibly versatile. Aside from treating tooth decay, your dentist might recommend a composite filling to address a chipped or broken tooth or teeth that are worn down due to grinding.

Unfortunately, composite fillings aren’t as tough as gold or silver fillings. On average, they last for between 5-7 years as opposed to 10-15. However, there are steps you can take to extend their life including brushing and flossing regularly, visiting Glad. Dental P.C. for bi-annual exams and cleanings, and avoiding bad habits like biting your fingernails.

Are silver and other amalgam fillings safe?

You might have heard that silver amalgam and other metal fillings contain trace amounts of mercury. Although this is true, there’s no evidence to suggest that these materials increase your risk of other health problems. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the FDA both say these products are safe for consumers. That said, if you have a metal allergy or you’re pregnant, make sure to let your dentist know before treatment.

What is the procedure like?

The procedure for filling a tooth involves preparing the surrounding areas to restore the damage. Any decay or damage around the tooth is removed with a dental handpiece or laser. Next, the tooth is isolated to prevent moisture from interfering with the bonding process. The bonding procedure requires placing various adhesives and the filling material, which is then hardened with a special bonding light. The completed composite restoration is both functional and natural-looking.

What is aftercare like?

After the cavity has been filled, your dentist will give you detailed instructions and answer any questions on how to prevent decay from forming under or around the filling, or in other teeth.

This can involve brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing with dental floss or an interdental cleaner once a day. It’s also important to keep regular appointments with Dr. Yakobashvili or Dr. Datikashvili at Glad Dental P.C. These routine check-ups and cleanings will make sure you have continued optimal oral health. Your dentist also may suggest sealants that can be placed over your molars to prevent the buildup of plaque and decay, along with the use of fluoride mouth rinses as an additional preventive measure. 

Call Glad Dental P.C. or book your appointment online today if you need a filling. Glad Dental P.C. is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most forms of insurance.