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fillings

front line defense

Tooth decay is caused by a build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums that weakens tooth enamel. While some treatments, such as dental sealants, can significantly reduce decay and dental cavities, most adults will experience some level of decay that requires treatment. When dealing with cavities, our goal is to maintain as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible.
 
Once upon a time, metal amalgam fillings were the treatment of choice. However, over the years we’ve learned that these silver-colored fillings can expand and contract from heat, cold and biting. These factors weaken the teeth and make them prone to fracturing. Amalgam also contains mercury, a known toxin.

Modern materials are now widely used in all new and replacement fillings, resulting in a higher degree of patient and dentist satisfaction. You’ll enjoy the aesthetically pleasing look we give your filling while we appreciate their strength. Many filling options exist, depending on the extent and location of decay.

dental composites

Resin or composite-based fillings can be directly applied in a patient’s tooth at our office and are ideal when there is enough healthy tooth structure to which the materials can be bonded. Resin or composite-based crowns and in-lays are made in the laboratory and require more than one dental appointment. The strength and durability of dental composites are not as high as porcelain restorations and they are more prone to wear and discoloration.

Composites placed with exacting technique get as close as we have ever been to restoring the tooth to its original strength in the most conservative fashion. The composites are a very hard polymer that bonds to the tooth to hold the tooth together.

porcelain restorations

Porcelain in-lays, on-lays, veneers or crowns are even stronger than resin materials and are used when we have less tooth structure with which to work. These are custom-crafted by a ceramist in the laboratory to match the original tooth as closely as possible. While this treatment can be more expensive, the color and translucency of porcelain mimics natural tooth enamel.

For bridge and crown work, we can also consider a porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration. These restorations are strong, durable and resistant to wear.

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