A dental filling is an oral procedure that tidies up the hole left by decayed tooth tissue. It also prevents further damage by creating a seal that blocks reintroduction of bacteria to the tooth.
Dental fillings Freehold NJ can be made from various materials. Some examples include composite resin and dental amalgam. Glass ionomers and ceramic fillings are a less durable alternative, but they offer a good fit for small to moderate cavities.
Aesthetics
The type of dental filling you choose can influence the appearance and function of your smile. There are many different options for restoring teeth, including composite resin, porcelain, plastic and gold. Some are more common than others, but the most important factor is that your tooth restorations look natural and feel good.
A composite resin filling is white or tooth-coloured and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. It is applied in layers and cured by a special light after each application. It takes longer to place than an amalgam filling, so it can be more expensive.
Porcelain is a translucent material that looks very similar to your natural enamel, making it the most aesthetically pleasing option. It is also durable and resistant to cracking or staining. It is a good choice for front teeth, although it can be more expensive than composite resin. A porcelain inlay covers the interior surface of a single cusp while an onlay is used for back molars that have a larger area of decay or damage.
Functionality
Besides repairing damaged teeth and preventing decay, fillings restore the normal shape and function of the tooth. They also help prevent infection and halt the progression of damage by creating a barrier against harmful bacteria. In addition, they prevent the need for dental crowns in cases of a minor cavity.
Different types of filling materials are available, including amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer, ceramic, and gold. Amalgam fillings are durable and affordable but may contain mercury, which is a concern for some patients. Composite resin is natural-looking and can be bonded to the tooth, making it more attractive. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which aids in preventing decay, but they are more vulnerable to fracture than other fillings.
During the procedure, we remove the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the area, and then place the filling. Once the filling has hardened, we will polish and adjust your bite to ensure a comfortable fit and healthy smile.
Cost
Depending on your individual needs and dental insurance coverage, there are a number of tooth-colored options available that can restore decayed teeth while providing aesthetic and functional benefits. Your dentist can help you choose the best choice for your needs.
Tooth damage and decay can compromise the structural integrity of a tooth, leaving it vulnerable to additional harm and eventual loss. Tooth fillings are routinely performed to repair these problems and protect the health of a tooth.
The type of filling used depends on the size and location of a cavity, as well as cost considerations. Composite resin, a mixture of biocompatible plastics and finely ground glass-like particles, is a popular choice for both direct and indirect fillings. It offers good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid sized restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. It also requires less natural tooth structure to be removed for placement than silver amalgams, and it blends in more easily with a tooth’s appearance.
Time
The procedure for a filling can be completed in a single visit, depending on the type of restoration needed. The dentist will prepare the tooth, removing any decay and cleaning and shaping the remaining structure. Then the new filling material is placed and bonded to the tooth.
Composite resin fillings are a durable, tooth-colored alternative to amalgam or metal restorations, and they’re also used in cosmetic bonding procedures to mask flaws and close minor gaps between teeth. In addition, they’re mercury-free and don’t require the removal of any healthy tooth structure.
Porcelain and gold are the most durable options, but they’re also more expensive than composite resin. They also tend to stain more easily than other filling materials, so they’re best suited for chewing surfaces or inlays and onlays in which the biting surface isn’t visible. The dentist may recommend a direct or indirect filling for these situations. Glass ionomers and resin-modified ionomers are flexible cements that bond directly to the tooth. They’re not as durable as composite resin, but they’re more cost-effective and faster to place.
