What is a Filling?
A dental filling is undergone to restore functionality and shape to a damaged tooth due to tooth decay. Fillings can help prevent further decay by first removing the decayed material and cleansing the affected cavity. The cleaned cavity is then filled with the appropriate filling material dependent on the patients’ condition.
What are the types of Fillings available at Aliso Niguel Dental Group?
At Aliso Niguel Dental Group, we offer patients filling materials dependent on their dental condition, such as, whether a patient has allergies to certain materials, the extent of tooth decay and the location of the filling in the mouth.
Filling materials available at our dental practice include;
- Composite resin; dental fillings that mimic natural teeth color of plastic and glass mixtures used to restore decayed teeth.
- Silver amalgam; silver-colored dental fillings that are used for large cavities in the back teeth due to their durability.
- Gold; dental fillings, inlays, are composed of an alloy of gold, copper and other metals with precise impressions made at a dental laboratory. Such gold fillings are considered as the most durable lasting a long period of time.
- Porcelain; dental fillings known as inlays or onlays constructed within a dental laboratory. They match the natural colour of teeth and resist staining.
When it comes to deciding the most suitable type of material for a filling, dentists at Aliso Niguel prioritize in discussing with our patients the potential benefits, limitations and possible consequences of all dental type fillings.
Patients are more inclined towards composites since they resemble the natural color of the teeth, and require a less invasive treatment in restoring tooth functionality while proving to be stronger due to the bonding process.
What is the procedure involved in placing a Filling at the Aliso Niguel Dental Group?
At Aliso Niguel Dental Group we are highly skilled at placing fillings and offer their patients a comfortable and stress-free environment making the filling procedure both a satisfying and pleasant experience.
Prior to placing a filling, removal of tooth decay is necessary if present and is done so by numbing the area using local anesthesia. Dentists are able to remove the decay by utilizing a drill to cut through the enamel into the underlying dentin layer to prepare a space for the filling. When placing a white filling, bonding may be required to reduce the likelihood of a leakage or decay occurring under the filling. To prepare the tooth for bonding, an acid gel is etched making small holes on the surface of the tooth’s enamel allowing for a bonding agent to bond the filling to the tooth. Extreme measures are taken to protect the pulp of the tooth from damaging by applying a base or a liner made of composite resin. During the placement of a composite filling as such, dentists apply a special light to harden each layer of the resin making it stronger to enable a better fit when biting and flossing the teeth. If necessary, adjustments are made followed bypolishing of the tooth.
Patients are encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene for longer lasting fillings despite the type of filling material used.