Dental Fillings
Dental fillings, also known as dental restorations are a restorative material utilized to restore and solidify the integrity of teeth that have experienced decay or damage to its overall structure from external trauma. Dental fillings can be created from a wide variety of materials.
Dental Composites
Dental Composites, also known as white fillings are used to make crowns and inlays in a laboratory setting. These materials are similar in color to that of normal teeth. The overall durability of these are not as high as metal or porcelain restorations and have been known to wear over time.
It is very common for people to still have silver or mercury fillings from dental procedures in the past. Silver and mercury fillings are easily noticeable and have been known to result in an overall weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays, as well as tooth-colored restorations (onlays), provide fillings to the damaged tooth that is not only unnoticeable but also provide structure to the damaged tooth, strengthening its overall design.
Silver Fillings
Silver fillings were a popular dental solution in the past, however, research suggests that these types of fillings have many drawbacks. Silver fillings can wear down with use, become weak and in some cases even break. This wear creates pockets where bacteria can gather and cavities can be formed.
Additionally, traditional silver fillings usually contain around 50% mercury. This mercury can corrode, and cause stains on your gums and teeth.
Fortunately, recent technologies have allowed doctors to easily replace silver fillings with tooth-colored restorations.
Tooth-Colored Restorations
Tooth-colored restorations have a large number of advantages over silver/mercury fillings. Resin onlays are crafted and bonded to the tooth creating a super tight fit to the natural tooth. This restoration fills the structure of the tooth and restores stability to the foundation of the natural toot. Through this, additional damage can be avoided and the tooth can remain intact and stronger.
Tooth-colored restoration utilize resin also containing fluoride which has been linked to preventing tooth decay. The resin can be placed in the tooth rather than at the gum line which in turn results in healthier teeth and healthy gum line.
Personal Dental Office utilizes advanced restorative systems that allow doctors to place crowns, remove defective fillings, place cosmetic veneers and restore decayed teeth in just one appointment. Personal Dental Office values your time strives to provide the highest quality, natural-looking restorations in just one visit.
Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to discuss our dental fillings in Los Angeles, CA.
Replacing Silver Fillings:
Replacing silver fillings with new tooth-colored restorations (onlays) requires a two-part appointment
Your First Appointment:
During your first appointment, your old silver filling will be removed and the area will be inspected for any additional decay that may have occurred due to the original filling. An impression will then be taken of your teeth and sent to the lab. A temporary only will then be placed on the tooth. At the lab, a resin will be placed into your tooth and designed to appear like your natural tooth.
Your Second Appointment:
Your doctor will start by removing the temporary only placed in the previous appointment. A conditioning gel will then be used to prep the area for the new custom onlay. Bonding cement is then placed on the area and a high-intensity light is used to bind the onlay with the natural tooth. The area will then be polished.