Fillings

What is a tooth filling?

Tooth fillings are used to treat cavities and to repair broken or cracked teeth. If you have a cavity, your dentist at 54th Street Dental will extract any damaged or decayed part of your tooth. The filling is then inserted to restore your tooth’s health. 

A tooth filling may also be necessary if your teeth have sections that are damaged from trauma, teeth grinding, or nail-biting. 

How does a tooth filling work?

To begin your filling procedure, your dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the area. They will then utilize the most effective tool, such as a laser, drill, or abrasion instrument to extract any decay. 

After surveying the area and being certain all decay is removed, your dentist cleans the cavity of bacteria and debris. In some cases, when the tooth decay is near the root, your dentist may need to protect the nerve by inserting a liner composed of material such as composite resin or glass ionomer. Once the filling is in place, your dentist cleans the area and polishes it.

With tooth-colored fillings, the process is slightly more complex. After the decayed tooth is removed, the tooth-colored material is applied to the tooth in layers and a special dental light hardens each layer. Your dentist at 54th Street Dental then molds the material to resemble the natural tooth.

What are tooth filling options?

There are several filling possibilities that range in aesthetic, price, and durability.

Silver fillings

These fillings last between 10 and 15 years and are one of the strongest options. They are less expensive and sturdier than other fillings but may not be as visually pleasing. Silver fillings may also experience higher tooth expansion and contraction, which can create fractures and cracks. 

Gold fillings

These fillings can last longer than 15 years and don’t easily corrode. Some people find that gold fillings are more aesthetically pleasing than silver, but they are also around 10 times more expensive. Gold fillings may require more than one office visit to place them properly.

Tooth-colored composite fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are built to match the color of a patient’s teeth and many consider them the most visually appealing. Composite fillings are made to bond to the natural tooth structure which creates more support and often require less of the decayed tooth to be removed. 

They can also be used to repair chipped or damaged teeth. These fillings normally last half as long as other fillings.

Porcelain fillings

Porcelain or ceramic fillings are beneficial as they’re more resistant to tooth staining than composite fillings. They cost around the same price as gold options and last just as long, normally more than 15 years.

To learn more about fillings and which option is right for you, call 54th Street Dental today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.