When your tooth becomes damaged in an accident or by a cavity, a skilled dentist can restore it to improve its strength and functionality. Dental fillings are a very popular way to restore damaged teeth in Encino today. The process involves filling a cavity or crack with a dental material and curing it in place to restore the tooth’s structure, appearance, and strength. With so many types of dental fillings available today, you need the guidance of a competent dentist to make an informed decision.
Our general dentists at The Encino Dentist are well-trained and experienced in dental restorations. We will ensure you have all the information you need to make the right choice of dental fillings. We will also explain the treatment process to prepare you for what to expect.
An Overview of Dental Fillings
Human teeth have an outer, strong enamel that protects them from damage caused by accidents or harmful oral bacteria. However, a severe blow to the mouth or prolonged exposure to strong acids released by harmful bacteria can weaken the enamel, leading to tooth damage. Damaged teeth are usually weaker than healthy ones. Their appearance is also affected, and this can affect your smile and confidence. Restoring a damaged tooth is critical for its appearance, functionality, and structure.
Dental fillings are some of the treatments dentists offer for damaged teeth. They are very effective for moderate to severe tooth damage, and can remain intact and undamaged for years with proper care. Dental fillings are also more affordable than most dental restoration procedures, like dental crowns and implants. This makes them very popular.
Dentists use a filling material created in a dental lab to fill cavities and cracks in damaged teeth. Once the dental filling is put in a cavity and cured in place, it protects the tooth from further damage. It also restores what the tooth has lost due to the damage, including its structure, strength, and appearance.
If you have a cavity, your dentist can recommend dental fillings after examining your teeth and determining whether you are a good candidate for dental restoration. Some cavities are diagnosed at the dentist’s office, while others are visible. If you are unaware that you have a cavity or any other tooth damage, here are some of the telltale signs that you may need a dental filling:
- If you experience a jagged feeling on the tooth whenever you run the tongue over it because of the roughness created by a cavity or a crack.
- If you notice a change in the structure of your tooth because of a crack or cavity
- You start experiencing pain or sensitivity, which should prompt you to visit a dentist’s office.
Whether you have a visible cavity or crack, or you experience any of the above indicators of a cavity, the dentist will first perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. They will also review your treatment history to determine the best treatment. After diagnosing you and recommending treatment options, your dentist will guide you in choosing the most appropriate one for your needs and budget. When you choose dental fillings, your dentist will develop a treatment plan.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are different types of dental fillings, mainly based on the materials used to make them. Each type presents unique advantages that you should understand for informed decision-making. The most common of these are:
Amalgam Fillings
These dental fillings are very common and have been around for years. Dentists make amalgam fillings from a mixture of copper, silver, zinc, and mercury to create a firm filling that can remain intact for years. Amalgam fillings are durable, strong, and safe. They are also cost-effective, making them a perfect dental restoration option for everyone, especially those on a tight budget.
An amalgam dental filling can remain intact for up to fifteen years after restoration. However, you must take good care of them to enjoy long-term use, including maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Restoring a damaged tooth using amalgam fillings is also quick and easy, since the material is easy to shape to match the structure of your teeth.
However, amalgam dental fillings change the general appearance of your natural teeth because they are dark-colored. This may affect your smile and confidence, especially if the restoration is on a front tooth. Many people prefer a different treatment for their visible teeth.
Additionally, amalgam fillings tend to respond to temperature changes in the mouth; they can contract and expand accordingly. These fluctuations may cause your tooth to crack soon after restoration. Also, the fluctuation may create a ridge between the tooth and filling, which would trap food and become a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
The cost of amalgam fillings ranges between $50 and $400. The main determining factors of the actual cost include location, size of the fillings, and the dentist’s experience.
Composite Resin Dental Fillings
Although these have not been in the dental industry as long as amalgam fillings, they have become very popular. This is because they are tooth-colored, which solves one of the significant issues with amalgam fillings. These are made from a composite material, which looks and feels like a natural tooth. You can discreetly restore a damaged tooth without worrying about changing your natural tooth’s appearance.
One of the most significant benefits of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal. Since they are tooth-colored, they work perfectly for all tooth restorations, including your front visible teeth. The restoration also gives you a natural and attractive look, which in turn boosts your smile and confidence.
Composite fillings also bond easily to natural teeth, so minimal tooth preparation is needed before the restoration. This preserves much of your natural tooth. It also makes treatment less invasive. Additionally, the natural bond they create restores your tooth’s natural strength.
Composite fillings can restore various types of dental damage, including cracks, chips, decay, and minor gaps between teeth.
However, they are not as strong and durable as amalgam fillings. They have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. You must really care for them to enjoy long-term use. Additionally, composite fillings wear down very fast; you may require a repeat of the treatment soon after, especially if the treatment is done on the back teeth used for chewing.
The cost of composite resin dental restorations ranges from $150 to $550 per tooth. The actual price depends on the location and extent of the damage, as well as the dentist’s experience.
Porcelain or Ceramic Dental Fillings
Dentists use these types of fillings mainly as inlays and onlays. They have so many benefits to offer, including the following:
- Porcelain fillings have superior aesthetics because they give you a natural appeal, just like the color of your natural teeth. This makes them perfect for filling damaged visible or front teeth.
- They are also robust and durable because ceramic is a durable material. They can remain strong and undamaged for ten to fifteen years. They are also highly resistant to abrasion and chipping.
- Porcelain fillings are not easily stained, and so, they can remain bright and beautiful for a very long time.
- Since they are metal-free, porcelain fillings are bio-compatible, making them ideal for all patients, especially those who are sensitive or allergic to metals.
- They can strengthen a damaged or weak tooth through the bonding process during treatment.
However, porcelain fillings are costlier than amalgam or composite fillings. Their prices range from $500 to $ 1,500 per tooth, depending on the extent of tooth damage.
You also need more than one visit to the dentist’s office to receive a porcelain filling. The dentist must first prepare your damaged tooth, then take impressions of it to create the filling in a dental lab.
Also, although porcelain fillings are strong and durable, they are brittle and can crack or break under extreme pressure. This makes them not ideal for people who habitually grind their teeth.
Glass Ionomer
These are tooth-colored dental fillings made from silicate glass powder and polyacrylic acid. They are loved for their ability to produce fluoride, which continuously strengthens natural teeth and protects them from harmful bacteria. Dentists chemically bond glass ionomer to a tooth structure, which makes it perfect for minor, low-stress cavities. Glass ionomer is also used as a tooth liner and for periodontal fillings.
Their fluoride release is one of the most significant benefits you will enjoy from glass ionomer. Chemical adhesion also ensures a perfect bond between the filling and the tooth, without the need for a separate adhesive. Glass ionomer is also biocompatible, making it suitable for all patients, even those who are sensitive or allergic to metal. The fillings are also moisture-tolerant, require minimal tooth preparation, and are similar in nature to natural teeth.
However, they are not as strong as amalgam and may not be suitable for filling the chewing or biting teeth. They also have poor resistance to wear and abrasion, meaning that you may want to replace them sooner after restoration. Although glass ionomer fillings are tooth-colored, they are not as translucent and beautiful as composite resin.
The cost of glass ionomer ranges from $75 to $200 per tooth. The tooth colored options can cost up to $300.
Gold Fillings
Today, dentists can customize dental fillings in a dental lab to suit their patients’ preferences. Gold fillings are usually used as gold inlays and onlays. They offer unmatched strength and durability, lasting up to 30 years. They are also biocompatible with the gum tissue, which makes them perfect for people with metal allergies or sensitivity. However, gold fillings are noticeable and may alter the appearance of your teeth and smile. In this case, they are mainly performed on molars. Restoring molars with gold fillings is also ideal because of their strength and resistance to wear and abrasion.
However, gold dental fillings are pretty pricey. You will pay between $300 and $ 2,000 to repair one tooth with a gold filling. You also require more than one visit to the dentist’s office to prepare your damaged tooth for the filling and to customize the restoration for a proper fit. Gold fillings are not suitable if you prefer a discreet dental restoration.
Dental Fillings Treatment Procedure
After developing a treatment plan to restore your damaged tooth using a dental filling, your dentist will discuss the treatment process. This prepares your mind for what to expect. They will ensure you know what will happen during every step of the process and what to expect. Then you will know when to raise a concern if you experience anything different from what was discussed. Understanding the treatment process also ensures you remain calm throughout, for a quick and effective treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Remember that every dental treatment process starts with a dental examination, diagnosis, and the development of a treatment plan. You could visit your dentist because your tooth feels rough when you run your tongue over it, without realizing it is cracked or has a cavity. Some people see the dentist’s office when they experience pain or sensitivity after a cavity has already developed. The dentist must examine all your teeth, explain the significant problem, and recommend treatment.
Once you have reviewed all your treatment options and chosen dental fillings, they will explain the different types of dental fillings and develop a treatment plan once you make your final choice. A treatment plan will include the various steps of treatment the dentist will take, what is expected in each step, and how long each step will take.
If you choose a dental filling, such as amalgam, that requires minimal tooth preparation, you can start treatment on the same day. However, if you decide on inlays or onlays, you will need a second appointment with your dentist for the treatment. Some dental restorations require the dentist to take impressions of the damaged tooth so the filling can be prepared in a dental lab. This will take more than one day, necessitating a second or subsequent appointment.
Tooth Preparation
The dentist will first prepare the damaged tooth for restoration before filling in the crack or cavity with a filling material. The preparation needed, in this case, will depend on the severity of the damage to your tooth and the type of dental filling you have chosen.
First, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth to make the procedure pain-free and comfortable. This will keep you calm, allowing the dentist to complete the treatment within the allocated time. Generally, dentists administer local anesthesia in procedures like these.
If your tooth has a cavity, preparation will include removing the decayed part to discourage further decay after restoration. Dentists use an abrasive aid tool, a dental drill, or a laser for this procedure. Removing the decayed part also creates room for the dental filling. The dentist will clean the treatment site after removing the decay to remove the remaining harmful bacteria and debris.
Etching, Bonding, and Filling
This process only applies if you are using a composite dental filling. The dentist will apply an acid gel on the treatment site to etch the tooth surface for perfect bonding with the dental filling. They then use a bonding agent and fill the tooth with the filling to complete the treatment.
When using a composite filling, the dentist will fill in the resin in layers. They will harden or cure each layer before applying the next layer. Curing is done with a special curing light or laser.
If you are using an amalgam filling, the dentist will mix the filling material and pack it into the cavity.
Once the entire cavity or crack is filled, the dentist will trim the excess filling and shape it to the desired form. They will then polish the surface to give it a smooth finish.
Before completing the treatment, your dentist will check that your bite is correct and that your teeth function as they should. They must also check to ensure that the filling does not alter the structure of your natural teeth. If your bite is perfect, you will be released to go home. However, a few bite adjustments may be necessary if the dentist notices an issue with your teeth’s function.
Note: Your treatment plan will differ slightly if your dentist recommends an inlay or an onlay. Remember that this treatment is recommended for minor tooth damage. After preparing your tooth for treatment by removing the decayed part, the dentist will take impressions of the prepared tooth using a digital scanner. This will help them create fillings that will fit perfectly on the [reared tooth without altering its structure.
The dentist will use the impressions to create customized dental fillings in a lab. Since this may take some time, they will give you a temporary restoration to protect your prepared tooth against further damage. You will return to the dentist’s office once the customized restorations are ready for fitting and bonding.
Caring for Dental Fillings for Long-Term Benefits
After treatment, your dentist will give you dos and don’ts to ensure you care for your restored tooth for long-term benefits. Some of the recommendations your dentist will make include the following:
Immediate Care After Treatment
Here are some precautions you must take a day or two after treatment:
- Your dentist will require you to wait until the anesthesia wears off to eat. Do not eat when you still feel numbness around the treatment area. You risk biting your cheek or tongue if you eat immediately after treatment. Local anesthesia wears off quickly, and so, you should be ready to eat an hour or two after the treatment.
- Avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth to allow the filling to heal and harden well. This means that, even if you are free to eat, avoid chewing on the side of the treated tooth. Give it some time before you can bite or chew with the tooth.
- Your dentist may recommend soft foods like soft fruits, yoghurt, or mashed potatoes at first. You can slowly reintroduce your regular foods as the filling hardens and you regain the tooth’s full functionality.
- Your treated tooth could feel sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. In this case, avoid extremely cold or hot foods, especially for a few days after treatment. The sensitivity is just temporary and should wear off with time.
- Your dentist will give you some pain medication or prescribe it to help manage your pain. You should take the medication as recommended, or if needed for pain or soreness.
Long-Term Care after Dental Fillings
Your dentist will encourage you to maintain excellent oral hygiene habits to keep all your teeth clean and free from harmful bacteria, especially the treated tooth. This means brushing twice daily and flossing every day to remove any food debris that could encourage the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
Brush carefully around the filling, especially for a few days or weeks after treatment, to avoid damaging it. Dentists recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush that is effective at cleaning all teeth but not strong enough to damage a tooth restoration. The dentist will also recommend a fluoride-based toothpaste to strengthen your teeth against attack by cavity-causing bacteria.
If you habitually grind or clench your teeth, your dentist will recommend stopping the habit to prevent damage to dental fillings or other teeth. Teeth grinding weakens your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to bacterial attack. You can wear a mouthguard at night to prevent damage, as you strategize on how to stop the habit.
Closely monitor your bite and contact your dentist if something changes. If your bite feels uncomfortable or high, you should visit your dentist’s office for adjustments.
Find a Competent Dental Fillings Dentist Near Me
Dental fillings are an easy, quick, and inexpensive way to restore damaged teeth in Encino. A general dentist can perform the procedure to protect your damaged tooth from further damage and restore its structure, appearance, and function. However, there are different dental fillings to choose from. Also, it helps to understand what fillings offer, the treatment process, and what to expect after treatment, so that you can prepare well.
At The Encino Dentist, we have all the information you need about dental fillings to make an informed decision. We are also skilled and experienced in all types of dental fillings. We can help you achieve your treatment goals for a beautiful smile, excellent teeth functionality, and boosted confidence. Call us at 818-650-0429 to learn more about us.