Mead Family Dental
Achieve a Confident Smile with Permanent Dentures
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic health issues. Thankfully, there are effective prevention methods, and when decay occurs, dental fillings offer an affordable, natural-looking, and safe solution. At Mead Family Dental, our fillings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strong and durable, ensuring lasting restorations for your smile.
Dental Fillings—The Optimal Solution for Tooth Restoration
At Mead Family Dental, we utilize high-quality materials, cutting-edge technology, and advanced techniques to create long-lasting restorations for our patients. Our aim is to achieve results that are virtually undetectable. We use tooth-colored fillings as restorations when our patients experience:
- Tooth decay
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
How do I know if I need a filling?
If you’re experiencing discomfort in your teeth, you might be a good candidate for a filling. Tooth sensitivity is a strong indicator of decay or fractures. During your evaluation, Dr. Alan Mead will guide you to the most suitable dental treatment for your situation. We often recommend fillings as the ideal solution for restoring teeth affected by significant decay, cracks, chips, and cavities.
Cavity Prevention: How Can I Avoid Needing a Filling?
The most effective way to combat cavities and maintain healthy gums and teeth is by practicing good oral hygiene daily. Here are five tips to help you prevent tooth decay and avoid cavities:
- Schedule a comprehensive oral exam and regular cleanings at our office.
- Brush your teeth after meals and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Drink plenty of water and limit sugary and acidic beverages.
- Make it a habit to floss every night.
- Avoid smoking.
Dental Fillings—The Process
Placing a composite resin dental filling is a routine procedure we perform daily at Mead Family Dental. Here’s how it works:
- Dr. Alan Mead isolates the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva.
- Any dental decay is carefully removed.
- An etchant and bonding agent are applied, followed by the composite resin.
- A special light is used to harden each layer of the composite resin.
- Once filled, the composite resin is shaped to resemble a natural tooth.
- Finally, the restoration is smoothed and polished for a comfortable bite.
What’s the Difference Between a Filling and an Inlay/Onlay?
A filling serves its purpose by filling a cavity—essentially restoring normal tooth anatomy lost due to decay or trauma. When we use composite resin for a filling, we shade the material to match your natural tooth structure, resulting in a restoration that is nearly invisible.
Inlays and onlays are recommended when a tooth has more damage or decay than can be treated with a filling, but not enough to require a crown. If your tooth lacks sufficient structure for a filling but isn't so damaged that it needs a crown, you may be an ideal candidate for an inlay or onlay.
An inlay is crafted from porcelain at a dental lab by a skilled ceramist and is cemented into the center of the tooth, within the cusp tips. An onlay, on the other hand, covers the top chewing surface of the tooth. We choose porcelain because it closely resembles enamel and provides long-lasting strength and durability.
What Are Composite Resin Fillings and Restorations?
Composite resin fillings are a popular alternative to dental amalgam and are often referred to as “tooth-colored” or “white” fillings due to their natural appearance. These fillings are made from a type of plastic (acrylic resin) reinforced with powdered glass filler. The composite resin is typically applied in layers to build up the final restoration and then cured with an ultra-violet light, which accelerates a chemical reaction that hardens the material and bonds it to the tooth. This safe material can be customized in shade to closely match the surrounding teeth, making it nearly indistinguishable from the natural tooth.
Composite resin fillings offer several advantages. Many patients prefer the white color because it blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Additionally, using composite materials allows for more conservative preparations, enabling dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure.
- Benefits of Composite Resin Restorations
- Better for Smaller Fillings
- Preservation of More Tooth Structure
- Preferred White/Natural-Looking Color
The resin used in tooth-colored restorations contains fluoride, which can help prevent decay. Additionally, this resin wears similarly to natural teeth and doesn't require placement at the gum line, promoting better gum health.
What Are the Drawbacks of Metal/Amalgam Fillings?
Composite fillings offer a more aesthetically pleasing option and are completely safe and non-toxic. In contrast, some concerns have been raised about metal fillings. Research suggests that amalgam fillings, which are made from mercury, silver, tin, copper, and other metals, may pose potential health risks.
However, the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has determined that both amalgam and composite materials are safe and effective for tooth restoration.
At Mead Family Dental, we are committed to restoring decayed teeth to their optimal appearance and function using fillings, inlays, and onlays. Our dental fillings help both adult and pediatric patients maintain their healthy, beautiful smiles and prevent further damage.
With high-quality composite fillings, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. For more information about our dental fillings, contact our office today!
