Fillings
Fillings are used to save and restore teeth damaged by decay. Dr. Donia will match the color of your natural teeth to any filling he applies to cover a cavity.
Fillings Q & A
What Is a Filling?
A filling is a simple procedure that is used to restore teeth after they have been damaged by decay. During your appointment, Dr. Donia will first remove any decayed portion of the tooth leaving a hole or gap in its place. The gap is then covered by a filling material.What Are Some Different Kinds of Filling Materials?
There are four main types of filling materials: porcelain, composite resin, gold, and silver amalgam. Porcelain fillings are the most wanted since they are the color of your teeth and are able to resist staining over time due to their non-porous material. However, porcelain fillings are quite expensive. Composite resin fillings are also the color of your teeth but are less durable and are expected to last a period of 3-10 years while also being vulnerable to staining from food and drink.
Gold fillings have a shelf-life of over 20 years but also the most expensive price tag when it comes to fillings. A silver amalgam filling is a much cheaper alternative that offers similar wear resistance. However, silver has a dark appearance that turns some patients off especially when applying to the back molars.What Are Indirect Fillings?
Indirect fillings are used in cases where tooth damage is too extensive to support a traditional dental filling. Indirect fillings are made in a laboratory using a special impression of your mouth in order to manufacture them to fit exactly into that space. Because they are custom-made to fit your unique tooth, they are typically much more durable than traditional fillings and have a shelf-life of up to 30 years.How Do You Know if You Need a Filling?
With a dental exam, Dr. Donia will examine your teeth to see if there is any decay present. Typically, patients with cavities or a chipped tooth need a filling.
