Dentist in South Plainfield, NJ
Dental fillings are used to repair a tooth that is decayed, fractured, or weakened. Dental restoration is a common treatment for people of all ages. There are several types of restorations. The type of material used depends on the location of the cavity. During the process, the dentist removes the decayed material and cleans the area around the tooth. Next, the area is numb. A small drill is then used to clear the cavity.
Once the cavity is cleared, the dentist determines the best filling material for the tooth. Materials can include gold, dental composites, or amalgam. Some fillings are also made from ceramic or porcelain. If the cavity is in the front of the tooth, the dentist may recommend a cosmetic composite filling. These are more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgam fillings. They can be customized to match the color of the surrounding teeth.
Ceramic fillings are the most stain-resistant. They also blend in with the natural color of the tooth. Porcelain restorations can be brittle and are not always recommended for molars. Composite fillings are a strong and affordable option for patients. They are also less invasive than other types of fillings. However, they are not as strong as metal or amalgam. This makes them a better choice for people with weaker teeth.
Amalgam fillings are made of silver, copper, and tin. Their price is relatively cheap, but they may be prone to wear. Despite this, they are the most popular form of dental filling. Ceramics, inlays, and onlays are more expensive, but are considered more durable. Direct restorations are typically done in one visit, whereas indirect restorations are more complex. Most indirect restorations are performed with ceramic or porcelain.
Fillings are a quick and easy way to prevent tooth decay. After a filling, the tooth’s natural structure is restored. They can also help strengthen the tooth. In addition, a cavity that has been filled with a composite resin can improve the color of the tooth. Tooth decay is a chronic disease. It is important to treat the condition as soon as possible. Postponing treatment can lead to complications and worsen the condition.
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth damaged by tooth decay. They are also used to close gaps between teeth. These fillings may be made of metal, plastic, or porcelain. Depending on the condition of the teeth and the patient’s needs, a variety of filling materials can be used. Amalgam fillings are the most common. They are made of a mixture of silver and mercury. However, they have a tendency to chip and wear. Because of this, the Australian Dental Association suggests minimizing their use in children.
Glass ionomer fillings are tooth coloured and are used to protect teeth. This material does not rely on the same bonding principles as resin fillings. The filling hardens with the help of a special light. It is less strong than composite resins and is generally suited for non-pressure areas. Ceramic fillings are a bit more expensive than composite resins and are a better fit for the teeth. A ceramic filling is often resistant to stains and discolouration. Also, they last longer than composite fillings.
Porcelain fillings are a durable and tooth-coloured choice. They also resist abrasion better than composite resins. Additionally, they are able to blend into the natural colour of the tooth. Lastly, they are often matched with the tooth shade. Composite resins are made of plastic and glass. Using these materials, the filling is created to be as close to natural teeth as possible. Once placed in the cavity, the filling is hardened with a special light. After a few years, the filling can be replaced. If the teeth are still intact, the filling can be reshaped by a dentist to restore the shape and form of the tooth.
Amalgam fillings are one of the least expensive dental filling options. However, they can become discoloured over time, as they are prone to staining from coffee and tea. Moreover, the amalgam material contains mercury, which is not recommended for children. Depending on the type of tooth that needs to be restored, a dentist will select the best filling material. For example, if a patient has a large cavity, a crown is usually recommended to provide adequate support for the filling.
At MG Dental Associates, we provide skilled and compassionate care to help patients of all ages enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles.
Once our office has a chance to assess your smile, we’ll advise you of our findings and outline a comprehensive treatment plan to help ensure your smile is healthy and functions at its best. If any tooth decay is detected, we’ll schedule appointments to treat those cavities and place the fillings or restorations that are needed.
At the office of MG Dental Associates, patient care and comfort are our top priorities. While treating cavities and placing fillings are among the most routine procedures in dentistry, our office understands you have questions and concerns and will keep you well informed every step of the way.
Treating a cavity involves the precise and gentle removal of decayed and damaged tooth structure and any preparation of the remaining tooth structure needed to secure your new filling. Although every patient and every smile is different, you can expect your visit to take about an hour.
In most cases, this visit is performed under local anesthesia. As the work gets performed, your tooth is completely numb, and you should not feel any discomfort. A dental drill, dental laser, or air abrasion technology can be used to remove decay. Once the cavity gets excavated, and healthy tooth structure remains, it’s time to place the filling. The type of dental filling material being used determines the manner of placement. Composite fillings, glass ionomer cements, and amalgam fillings are typically placed right away. However, in the case of an extensive cavity, a tiny palliative dressing and a temporary filling may be placed. Whatever type of filling is used, our office will check the fit, do any necessary polishing, and meticulously adjust the bite to ensure your optimal comfort and function.
For patients who are anxious about dental work, you can rest assured the office of MG Dental Associates is mindful of your needs. As skilled and experienced providers of care, we pride ourselves on providing gentle dentistry and do all we can to make your visit comfortable and stress-free. While we perform dental procedures under local anesthesia, we’re also happy to discuss options in dental sedation.
At MG Dental Associates, we value your time and make it easy to book an appointment for care! You can either reach out to us with a phone call or submit this simple online, “Request an Appointment” form. We respond promptly to all online requests.
If the pleasure of eating a delicious bowl of ice cream or sipping a soothing cup of tea gets overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince; it's time to contact our office. As skilled providers of care, we'll determine what's causing your discomfort and perform the treatment required to alleviate your symptoms and get you back on the road to oral health.
Cavities develop because of an infectious process that causes progressive damage to tooth structure. Despite starting as a pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay progressively compromises more and more healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of your tooth.
Yes, you can still develop tooth decay on other surfaces of the tooth, around the margins of an old filling, or in fewer instances, recurrent decay underneath it. For this reason, it's essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary beverages and sweets, and be sure to visit our office for routine checkups and care. While tooth decay is second only to the common cold in frequency, it's almost entirely preventable.
We value the time and comfort of our patients. If cavities are located on adjacent teeth, or in the same section of your smile, it may be possible to treat more than one tooth during your visit. However, how much is done each visit depends on several factors. We keep our patients well informed and tailor every treatment plan and visit to address their unique needs.
Addressing concerns on the presence of elemental mercury in silver fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA, and the World Health Organization have all stated that amalgam restorations do not pose a risk to health. However, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to the metals in dental amalgam are advised to pursue other restorative options.
Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia to help ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure. The involved tooth remains completely numb for the extent of your visit. Within one or two hours after the procedure is completed, the local anesthetic will gradually wear off, and normal sensations return.
A tooth-colored composite filling is fully hardened and set by the end of your visit. However, we may advise you to wait a couple of hours until the local anesthesia has completely worn off. This advice is to help ensure you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue while still numb.
The lifetime of a dental filling varies depending on the type of material used. While popular dental materials can last a decade or more with proper care, they can degrade over time, wear down, or even break. When this happens, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, a jagged edge, or a loose or dislodged piece of filling material. Whatever the case may be, it's essential to get the filling replaced before the tooth sustains further damage or other consequences arise. Beyond taking good care of your smile we can help ensure the longevity of your fillings, our office regularly checks the status of your existing fillings as part of a routine checkup exam.
Dental fillings are an essential investment that serves to preserve and protect the health of your smile. With that said, how much a filling costs depends on the number of surfaces of the tooth involved and the filling material that is used. Amalgam restorations are the most economical. While tooth-colored composite fillings have a slightly higher cost, they offer the added benefits of being metal-free and much more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays are more expensive than the preceding options but provide outstanding, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
Dental insurances typically cover the cost of dental fillings. While we work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. At the office of MG Dental Associates, we strive to help you begin care without any additional financial stress or delay.
