Dental Fillings

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are used to restore the damaged teeth to its normal function and shape. The typical materials that are used for filling include Gold, Porcelain, Tooth-colored filling, and Amalgam.

A filling is a technique used to restore a decayed tooth back to its normal function and shape. When dentists provide you with a filling, the decayed cavity is first removed, cleaned and later, the cleaned out cavity is filled with a dental filling material. Closing off such spaces will help prevent bacterial accumulation and this would prevent further decay and loss of teeth.

What type of Dental Filling is best suited for you?

During your initial visit to the dentist’s office, the dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and determine whether or not you require a filling. This phase will allow the dentists to clean the teeth and conduct X-rays to understand where the fillings are required.

The following will help you understand which filling is best suited for you:

• Gold filling: Gums are better accustomed to Gold fillings. They are manufactured in a laboratory and cemented into place. Gold fillings would last for about 20 years. Though they are expensive, it is a commonly used filling technique used as they will be worth the money.
• Amalgam (silver) filling: Being comparatively inexpensive, amalgam silver fillings are resistant to wear and tear. As they are easily noticeable compared to porcelain and composite restorations, these fillings aren’t recommended for the visible areas of the mouth, such as the frontal teeth.
• Composite (plastic) resin filling: Composite fillings are used in order to match the color of your teeth. These fillings are placed directly into the cavity, where they are hardened. They can last as many as three to ten years.
• Porcelain fillings: Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays. They are bonded directly to the teeth. These fillings can be exactly matched to the color of the teeth and are stain resistant. They generally cover the entire tooth and their cost is similar to that of gold fillings.

What happens when you get a Dental Filling?

As you consult your dentist to get your cavities removed, your dentist will first remove the cavity from the decayed tooth, clean the cavity filled portion of the tooth and then fill it with any of the above materials.

When do you need a Dental filling?

One of the dental conditions that may lead your dentist to recommend a dental filling is when there are cavities present in your teeth that can, in the long run, harm the rest of the teeth.

Your dentist will examine your teeth to determine the severity of your condition. Anything that appears abnormal will be taken for further tests and investigation, one of which includes an X-ray exam. The type of treatment that your dentist will recommend will depend on the severity of the damage.

Call us now to book an appointment with Dr. Yankie in Mill Valley, CA!