dental fillings Archives - My Dentist Anaheim

It wasn’t that long ago that fixing a cavity meant going home with a bit of metal gleaming in your teeth. Gold, silver, and even tin alloys were all common materials for fillings. Eventually porcelain became available and then, in the 1990s, composite fillings that could be dyed to match the color of the recipient’s tooth. These seem like an obvious improvement, but they pose an important question: do tooth-colored fillings look natural?

Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Look Natural?

It Depends on the Tinting

From a distance it may seem that most teeth are the same color, unless they belong to someone fond of tooth whitening procedures. But the truth is that every person’s smile is its own unique shade that tells a story. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks can all stain tooth enamel as can certain habits like smoking.

A natural composite feeling depends entirely on whoever mixes tint into the base composite material. Without experience and attention to detail, the color mix will come out wrong. Luckily there is a dentist in Anaheim that ensures proper attention is paid to such details. And we’re proud to offer composite fillings because their benefits don’t stop at the superficial.

Composite Fillings Are Also More Durable

Tooth-colored fillings are otherwise known as composite fillings because they are a combination of small ceramic and plastic particles. This mixture prevents them from expanding and contracting, unlike metal fillings. Over time metal fillings can actually contribute to cracked teeth as they repeatedly expand and contract in reaction to the food you eat. But your composite fillings stay the same, offering further protection for your teeth.

Composite Fillings are More Versatile

Metal fillings are usually limited to filling cavities. But composite fillings have a wider range of applications, all of which can be addressed at once if necessary. Composite fillings can fill cavities, mend cracks and chips, and even reshape malformed or decayed teeth. Covering multiple procedures at once means you make the most of your time when you schedule an appointment for dental fillings in Anaheim.

Composite Fillings Preserve More of Your Original Tooth

Traditional metal fillings cannot be applied until the damaged edges of the patient’s natural tooth have been trimmed and shaped. Composite fillings don’t require the same level of preparation, leaving more of the patient’s original tooth intact while repairing the damaged area.

Composite Fillings Are Easy to Personalize

Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings are applied in layers. Each layer must fully dry before the next layer is applied, giving the dental team plenty of time to correct any placement issues and personalize the fit of the filling. This may result in a longer application process but it’s well worth it at the end when the patient walks away with a perfectly fitted tooth repair.

Composite Fillings Last for More Than a Decade

Few people – if any – actually enjoy getting a filling. That’s why it’s important for filling materials to last. Composite fillings more than deliver with a lifespan of ten to twelve years, depending on the quality of care given to the surrounding tooth. If the tooth decays from fresh bacteria, the filling won’t last as long. But with proper dental hygiene, it may be more than a decade before a composite filling needs to be replaced.

There Are No Known Allergies to Composite Fillings

Amalgam metal fillings can trigger allergic reactions in some people. They can also contain trace amounts of mercury which may lead to exposure complications. Composite fillings, on the other hand, contain no known allergens or toxins. They will not set off the kind of reactions sometimes seen with metal fillings.

If you want natural-looking fillings or need another tooth repair that you think composite fillings may effectively treat, call us today.

Tooth decay is caused by a buildup of bacteria on the teeth. When left untreated, the decay goes deeper into your tooth, forming a cavity. The sooner you can visit your local restorative dentist Anaheim experts, the better chance you will have at avoiding an infection. But based on the decay you already have, you may need a variety of treatment options. But is an inlay different from a filling?

Is an Inlay Different from a Filling?

Two popular restorative treatment options include a dental filling and an inlay. But is an inlay different from a filling when it comes to dealing with tooth decay? You may want to invest in a filling when dealing with regular-sized cavities and save the inlays for larger tooth damage. Let’s take a look at the difference between these two important treatments and which one will work best for you.

Inlays

A dental inlay is typically used on back teeth that have sustained deep cavities from advanced dental decay. If a regular-sized filling is not strong enough to completely fill the cavity and seal up the tooth, an inlay will be used. However, it is important to note that inlays are only possible if there is enough of the tooth left that is still undamaged. In the event of a damaged tooth, other restorative or reconstructive dentistry procedures may be required.

Fillings

Fillings also fill the cavity created by tooth decay, but they are only necessary for small or medium-sized cavities. Treatments involving fillings are typically quick and pain-free and are among the most common dental procedures in both adults and children. A dental filling can also be used to repair other parts of the teeth that may have been damaged, cracked, or broken due to tooth decay. The filling is also adjusted so you can maintain a natural bite. Another option you have with fillings is the ability to choose your material: silver, gold, porcelain, or composite resin.

Inlay Vs. Fillings: What’s the Real Difference?

It may seem that these two treatments are very similar to each other – and they are! But some of the biggest differences between inlays and fillings include how each filling is applied and how much of the tooth gets healed. For a small and quick fix, you can get a dental filling in-office in a single visit. Inlays require some prep time, as your dentist must first take an impression of your tooth and send away for a specially-made dental inlay. Then you need to come back a second time to have the inlay applied over your tooth. While this seems like a more involved practice, it is a much better way to heal big cavities than simply relying on a quick dental filling process.

Am I a Candidate for Inlays or Fillings?

To determine whether your tooth decay merits a quick filling or an inlay, it is important to visit your local dentist for an examination. While almost anyone can get a filling, a good candidate for dental inlays must:

Have enough bone structure in and around the tooth to support the inlay
Have more damage in the teeth than a typical cavity
Practice good oral hygiene practices every day

You also must be someone in good general health. It is important to visit your dentist regularly so you can stay on top of your oral health. Neither inlays nor fillings are procedures that cause much pain, although there is some pressure reported. Shortly after the procedure, you will be able to use your tooth again like normal.

Get Rid of Tooth Decay Today!

The longer you wait to have your cavities filled, the more your tooth can decay. Act now and schedule an appointment for the best fillings and inlays Anaheim has to offer. Speak with our friendly team of dental experts about your dental needs and create a custom plan of care that works for you. We hope to see you and your healthy smile soon!