Fillings

Dental fillings are materials used to fill cavities and cavities and minor fractures on the teeth. Left untreated for a long time, these cavities and fractures could develop into severe dental problems. Metal restorations were used in the past to treat these problems, but they had many disadvantages. In recent times, however, tooth-colored composites that blend in totally with the tooth structure make for a perfect alternative to hide tooth defects. Composite fillings could be placed in thin layers, preserving more of the natural tooth.

What Are The Various Categories of Dental Fillings?

There are several materials used as dental fillings. You can choose from the following:

Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings: These are the most preferred fillings opted by many people as they are composed of plastic silicon dioxide material. They blend in perfectly with your original teeth.

Ceramic Fillings: These fillings are sturdier and more resistant to staining but are comparatively more expensive than tooth-colored composites. Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and could last for a long time. 

Silver Amalgam Fillings: These fillings are the most durable and long-lasting option and are also reasonably economical. But the downside is they do not match the natural color of teeth.

Gold Fillings: These fillings are as strong as silver fillings and are also quite expensive. The gold fillings also last longer and are preferred by people for aesthetic reasons.

Glass Ionomer Fillings: These fillings are most often used for children and are more expensive. The ionomer fillings help fill in spaces below the gum line and release fluoride to prevent further tooth decay.

How Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?

Dr. Byerly will first carry out a proper examination and assessment of your teeth and gums. If a tooth requires a filling, the area is meticulously cleaned, and the tooth decay is removed. The treated portion is sterilized, and the appropriate white filling is sculpted over the remaining tooth structure. Dr. Byerly makes sure that the composite filling matches the existing teeth's color and shape. The material is then later hardened for it to last. After the filling is accomplished, you can immediately use your teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Composite Fillings?

• Composite fillings match the natural color of your tooth enamel. This allows the filling to blend in with the surrounding structure. 
• Less of the natural structure needs to be drilled away because of the composite resin that has bonded with your tooth.
• Composite fillings are durable and could withstand the pressure of regular daily use. 
• Composite fillings are completely safe as the composite resin does not contain any metals nor mercury.

Call Byerly Family Dental at (317) 632-1488 or schedule an online appointment to know more about Dental Fillings.