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When your tooth enamel has been damaged, we may suggest a dental filling. Fillings are most often used to treat cavities, a mild form of tooth decay. They are designed to fill in the empty grooves left on the surface of your teeth once decay has been removed. Fillings are used to restore the integrity and strength of your tooth while also preventing further damage. Dental fillings in Springfield, MA are made from a variety of durable materials. The two most popular types of fillings available are composite and amalgam fillings.
Composite fillings are made from plastic and are also known as tooth-colored or white fillings. This is because the plastic used can be matched to the exact color of your natural teeth. Composite fillings are ideal for cosmetic purposes and can also form a strong bond with your original tooth structure. Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals and are more affordable and easier to prepare than composite fillings. Our friendly dentist in the 01109 area, will be able to determine which type of filling is best for your smile and individual needs.
Your tooth structure is composed of several layers. The outermost layer of enamel is very strong and mineralized to protect the dentin layer underneath. The innermost layer is the pulp, which consists of nerves and blood vessels. A cavity occurs when the enamel is demineralized by the acids produced by bacteria and the dentin consequently becomes damaged. You may only feel pain after the damage extends into the pulp, by then you will need a root canal to remove the infected nerve.
Early detection with routine exams minimizes problems and thereby prevents toothaches and root canals. X-rays provide us images inside the teeth, as well as of the tight spaces between teeth where tooth decay occurs most often. We use the latest digital x-ray technology to provide computer-enhanced hi-resolution pictures with far, far less exposure than was needed for film x-rays.
The procedure for dental fillings consists simply of removing the decayed areas then filling the void to protect the tooth as well as to restore normal shape and function. You may experience some sensitivity to cold foods and drinks after the procedure. This is the most common side effect but usually gets better with time.
Types of Fillings:
Many years ago silver dental amalgam fillings were the standard, and most practices didn’t even offer alternatives. Times have changed, so let’s discuss what options are available as a filling material.
Amalgam Fillings
Silver dental amalgam fillings are an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc. They have the unique property that they can be packed into an opening cleaned of decay then become solid and durable.
In recent years many people have become concerned about the possibility of mercury poisoning. Numerous studies have shown that the mercury remains tightly bound in the alloy, but we are happy to provide our Springfield patients with alternatives. A dental amalgam filling is less expensive, but does have the disadvantage of being far more noticeable than other filling materials.
Gold Fillings
The use of gold goes back literally for ages, with the first known usage dating back some 6,000 years! Today they are custom made in an outside lab then cemented in place at our office. They are especially well tolerated by gum tissue but are more expensive and noticeable, and require two office visits.
Porcelain Fillings
Also called inlays or onlays depending on the surfaces involved, they are also made in a lab and then bonded to your tooth. By matching your natural tooth color they go completely unnoticed and requires two office visits.
Composite Fillings
Composite resin fillings, a combination of resin and filler, are matched to your natural tooth shade so they are essentially unnoticeable. As with other types, treatment begins with removing decay and preparing the tooth under a local anesthetic. We will sculpt the composite resin in place layer by layer then harden it with a high intensity LED light. It is all done in a single visit. Composite fillings provide a great appearance at a reasonable cost, and can also be used to restore chipped, broken, or fractured teeth. This is the most common type of fillings done today!
If you are interested in discovering for yourself how beneficial a dental filling can be, we invite you to contact our dental office today. We look forward to helping you achieve a long-lasting, healthy smile!
Temporary Fillings Springfield, MA
Composite Dental Fillings
Metal Fillings
01109 Mercury Fillings
Gold Filling
Dental Cap Repair
Complete Fillings
Dental Amalgam Springfield, MA
Tooth Filling
Cosmetic Bonding
Porcelain Filling
01109 Resin Sealant
Metal Fillings
Glass Sealant
Permanent Tooth Filling
Replace Fillings Springfield, MA
Silver Filling
Decay Prevention
01109 Dental Filling
Indirect Fillings
Cavity Filling
Dental Crowns
Silicone Sealant Springfield, MA
Polyurethane Sealant
Cavity Protection
White Fillings
01109 Mastic Sealant
