Types of Dental Fillings

There are many different types of filling to choose from. Depending on your budget, needs, allergies, etc., Dr. Kurtz will help you choose the best option for your dental fillings.

Metal Fillings

Metal fillings are typically gold or a silver amalgam. These dental fillings are durable and can last years. But they do have some disadvantages. For example, metal dental fillings are not usually recommended for patients with mercury allergies, and gold can become pricey. Metal fillings are also not very aesthetically pleasing since the color is noticeably different from the color of your teeth.

Tooth-Colored Composites

Tooth-colored composites have many more benefits compared to metal fillings:

• They are aesthetically pleasing since your dentist can match them to the natural tooth color.
• They are bonded to the tooth structure to provide further support.
• These fillings not only fix decayed teeth but also can fix chipped, cracked, gaps, or worn teeth.
• They are less invasive than amalgam fillings.

Though tooth-colored fillings offer some significant advantages, they have a few disadvantages as well. They only last about five years and wear out sooner than metal fillings. The cost of composite fillings can also be more than amalgam fillings, and you may need more appointments if they are for an inlay or onlay.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are most often made from porcelain and are the most resistant to staining. These are also very durable and typically last about 15 years. However, they cost about the same as gold fillings. Ceramic or porcelain fillings are also used as veneers to cover minor imperfections like cracks, chips, and teeth staining.

Indirect Fillings

Indirect fillings are similar to composite tooth-colored fillings, but they are made in a laboratory, either in the office or off-site. This means that you will have to schedule a second visit for the filling to be placed. Indirect tooth fillings are typically considered when there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling but also not so damaged that the tooth needs a crown.

There are two types of indirect fillings:

• Inlays: Inlays are similar to fillings, except they are used when the cavity is too large. This single piece is created to cover the entire cusp of the tooth to fit the shape and size of the cavity space.
• Onlays: Onlays fit one or more cusps and are sometimes called partial crowns.

The Process of Applying Dental Fillings

Dr. Kurtz will use dental x-rays to assess the damage before beginning dental fillings. She will help you decide which dental fillings are suitable for you and your dental health needs. If a dental filling is placed before an existing dental crown, root canal, or dental bridge, the dentist will use dental bonding to secure and seal it in place.

For dental fillings used to cover cavities, the tooth is prepared with dental drills and dental air abrasion, or a laser will be used to remove the decayed area. At our office in Cheshire, we offer laser dentistry for fillings and other procedures. The instrument used will depend on the extent of the decay and location as well.

Next, Dr. Kurtz will probe or test the area to make sure the decay has been removed. Once the decay has been removed, she will prepare the space by cleaning the area of debris and bacteria. If the decay is near the tooth’s root, the dentist will need to put in a liner to protect the nerve. After the filling is placed, the dentist will finish and polish it.

Insurance typically covers the cost of most fillings and other dental restorations for your smile. Make sure to contact your insurance company to see if our dentist’s office is in-network.

For patients in need of filling treatment, contact our office in Cheshire, CT today to schedule an appointment at 203-699-9705!