Dental Fillings
At some point in our lives, it’s inevitable that we'll encounter a cavity or fracture in a tooth. And when that happens, thankfully we can go to our dentist, and he or she can help restore the affected areas with fillings, inlays or outlays. Dental filling materials include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam. All are pliant and wear well. Your dentist will decide what's best for you. If you think you may have a fracture or have pain in your tooth, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area for an evaluation.
Dental Fillings and Inlays/Outlays
Upon examination, your dentist will go over your X-rays and discuss the best treatment for you. As mentioned above, one commonly used dental filling material is amalgam, which is metal and has some mercury in it, but not enough to harm you. Amalgam is durable and less expensive than the other materials. However, some people don't feel comfortable using it. Porcelain and composite are synthetic, aesthetically pleasing and stain-resistant. However, some argue that they don’t last as long as amalgam fillings.
If you have a cavity or a small fracture, your dentist will remove any tooth decay or damage with a small instrument, and your tooth will be cleaned to remove bacteria. Your dentist will then place a bonding substance on your tooth, which is followed by the filling material. Most people prefer porcelain or composite, which yield a functional and natural-looking final result.
Porcelain inlays or outlays are used when there is too little tooth structure to support a filling but enough tooth remaining to avoid the need for a crown. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of your tooth. An outlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of your tooth. Placing inlays or outlays requires at least two dental visits because they're custom-made for you from a mold of your mouth. Inlays and outlays can last up to 30 years and can actually increase your tooth’s strength.
Advantages of Dental Fillings and Inlays/Outlays
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If you choose porcelain or composite or inlays/outlays, the material used will match the color of your teeth
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Fillings protect your teeth from further damage or decay
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Porcelain and composite fillings require less drilling than amalgam fillings because your dentist doesn't have to shape the space as much to hold the filling securely ? the bonding process holds the composite resin in your tooth
Disadvantages of Dental Fillings and Inlays/Outlays
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Although composite resins have become stronger and more resistant to wear, they may not be strong enough to last as long as amalgam fillings under the pressure of chewing
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Porcelain inlays/outlays take at least two visits to complete ? your dentist takes impressions at the first visit and places your filling or inlay during the second
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Composite and porcelain fillings are more expensive (read more about restorative denistry cost)
Ormond Beach, FL 32174877-730-9649
