Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most straightforward oral restorations. They are widely used to fill cavities and restore teeth that have undergone minor damage, such as chipping, cracks, and wear. Though metal fillings made from gold, silver, or amalgam were predominantly used a few years ago, they have been replaced by tooth-colored fillings lately. They are either made from dental-grade ceramic or composite resin, which are biocompatible and offer superior properties.
Advantages of choosing white fillings
- As the name suggests, white-fillings are tooth-colored. They can be customized to match the exact appearance of the natural teeth, making them indistinguishable when you talk, smile, or laugh.
- Dental-grade ceramic or composite resin used to make dental fillings are highly durable. Their rate of wear is negligible, similar to that of the natural enamel.
- Fillings help to cover the cavity entirely as they offer excellent sealing properties. This helps to prevent reinfection.
- They are long-lasting. With optimum care, fillings are known to last for several years, with minimum moderations required.
- They restore the structure and functionality of a severely damaged or worn out tooth, thus preventing it from being extracted.
How are fillings placed?
The dentist will decide your candidacy for fillings after conducting a thorough diagnosis of the oral cavity. Initially, the cavity will be cleaned by removing the decay using a hand-held ultrasonic scaling device. The removed debris will be washed off using a jet of water. Next, the filling material will be made by matching it with the color and texture of the natural enamel. The walls of the cavity will be etched using an etching liquid to make their surface rough. This helps the filling adhere well to the tooth and stay firmly in place.
The filling will be placed in the cavity, shaped according to the contour of the tooth, and hardened using a curing light. If any excessive filling is present, it will be trimmed off after taking a bite test. Once its contour is finalized, it may be polished to enhance the luster, making it appear as natural as possible.
To have a consultation with our dentist, please schedule an online appointment or call us at (505) 867-3999, and we will be happy to help.
