Tooth Fillings
Kent East Hill Meridian Dentists
Dental Fillings In Kent WA
Traditional silver amalgam fillings are the most common type of dental restorative. This conventional dental material is advantageous in instances when restored teeth must withstand intense stresses brought on by chewing, frequently in the back of the mouth, because of its strength and longevity.
Modern dental fillings are made of ceramic and plastic materials that resemble genuine teeth. These substances, also known as composite resins, are typically utilized on the front teeth since a natural appearance is crucial. However, depending on the position and severity of the tooth decay, they may also be used on the back teeth.
Direct and indirect fillings come in two varieties. Direct fillings are fillings applied to a cavity that has been prepared in a single visit. They consist of composite (resin) fillings, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and silver amalgam. Typically, indirect fillings call for two or more visits. They consist of veneers, onlays, and inlays. When a tooth is too damaged to withstand a filling but not enough to require a crown, they are used.
When eliminating a cavity, a dentist will perform a dental filling operation. Drilling will be used to remove the cavity from the tooth around the decayed area, and the removed space will then be “filled” with a dental filling. Fillings can be used to fix cracked or damaged teeth because the materials used to make them are designed to resemble the appearance and durability of teeth.
The dentist will use tools to mould the material after it has been placed in the cavity to give it the general shape of the desired tooth. The patient’s smile won’t be affected because the dentist will shape the tooth to look natural and match the color and shape of the other teeth. The dentist will quickly solidify the material with a special “blue light” before shaping and polishing the hardened material to finish the restoration.
Dental Fillings Done at Kent Dental Clinic
Amalgam Fillings
These are extremely durable and wear-resistant. They are also known as silver fillings. They are less frequently utilized since they may cause the patient considerable discomfort as they age.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings, which may be the most well-known type of dental filling, are strong and can last up to 20 years. Gold is generally not the patient’s first choice because it might be a costly one.
Composite Fillings
The most popular type of fillings are composite ones. These fillings, which have a resin basis and are made to closely resemble teeth in color, give the dentist the most options. Like genuine teeth, composites can wear out over time and develop coffee stains.
Porcelain Fillings
These fillings, also known as inlays or onlays, are created in a lab and chemically bonded to the tooth. They cost about the same as gold fillings but can be made to fit the surrounding teeth’s color.
Your Kent dentist at Seablue Tooth will provide advice regarding the best dental filling option for each circumstance. Call our helpful staff at any time to find out more general information on dental fillings.
