Dental Fillings
Maybe you had one too many sugary drinks. Or one too many nights without brushing. Whatever it was, you ended up with a cavity, the first step in tooth decay. If you catch it early on, treating a cavity is as simple as getting dental fillings. But, if you let it progress, then you’ll need a more complicated fix such as a root canal. At Diamond Bar Dental Studio, we are dedicated to keeping your smile intact and healthy. With our years of experience, you can trust that you’ll be in good hands.
What Are Dental Fillings?
As tooth decay eats away at your tooth, it leaves behind an empty space: a cavity. Once the area is clean, a dental filling is put in its place.
Fillings can be made from a variety of materials. Each has its advantages. Below you can find a list of the most common filling materials.
Silver Amalgam Filling
This filling is a blend of several different metals but usually is at least 50 percent silver. However, most people prefer to get these fillings for out-of-sight teeth only, as they can stand out.
Advantages of Silver Amalgam:
- Doesn’t match tooth color
- Expands or contracts over time, affecting the tooth
Disadvantages of Silver Amalgam:
- Affordable
- Lasts 12+ years
- Sterile, no risk of contamination
Composite Dental Filling
These are made of a resin and plastic blend. They are a good balance between affordability and getting a filling that doesn’t stand out too much.
Advantages of Composite:
- Can match tooth color better
Disadvantages of Composite:
- Pricier
- Need replacing every 5-10 years
Ceramic
These Dental fillings are made of porcelain and are a highly popular choice for their aesthetic quality.
Advantages of Ceramic:
- Durable
- Tooth-colored
- Resistant to staining and wear
Disadvantages of Ceramic:
- More brittle and prone to chipping or breaking
- Higher price point
Glass Ionomer
These are an excellent choice for children. The reason is that that release fluoride, which protects against decay. If your child has a baby tooth with a cavity, it is still vital to treat it. If the decay progresses before the tooth falls out, it could lead to more severe problems.
Advantages of Glass Ionomer:
- Added protection from fluoride
Disadvantages of Glass Ionomer:
- Temporary
- Don’t match tooth color perfectly
Gold
These are the rarest of fillings available. While they are sturdy, they are expensive, and most dentists don’t offer them. There are just many more practical options available.
Dental Filling Process
To treat a tooth with a cavity, your dentists clears away the decayed part of the tooth. They will then inspect the area to see if all the decay had been cleared away. If everything is clear, the filling can be applied. Different materials require different steps in between. Tooth-colored dental fillings tend to be applied in layers and may take some more time. In any case, receiving a dental filling is a straightforward process from start to finish. With local anesthetic, you should be comfortable throughout your entire visit.
Recovery
Getting a cavity filled is quick and straightforward. There is no real recovery period. However, it may take several hours for the local anesthetic to wear off. You will be able to drive, but be careful not to bit your cheeks or lips. Once your fillings are in, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for it in the coming days. It is vital to follow these instructions, or you might damage your new filling.
Dental Fillings in Diamond Bar
Receiving a dental filling is perhaps the most straightforward of all dental procedures in Diamond Bar, CA. It can catch tooth decay before it can start to threaten the rest of your mouth. If you believe you might have a cavity, schedule an appointment to learn about your treatment options. The sooner you act, the better the outcome will be for your teeth. Waiting longer can only lead to more complicated procedures. For all your questions and concerns, we at Diamond Bar Dentist are here for you.
646 N. Diamond Bar Blvd.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Serving Diamond Bar since 1995
CONTACT
646 N. Diamond Bar Blvd.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
(909) 455-9979
Fax: (909) 861-6951
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