At LALA Dental, we use dental fillings, a common restorative procedure, to repair teeth that are damaged by decay, cracks, or fractures. After a damaged tooth has been improved with a filling, the tooth is protected against further damage and restored to its original function, allowing for proper chewing.
Types of Dental Fillings
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are composed of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, and copper, along with mercury. This mixture is combined and condensed into a soft putty-like material that can be placed within the tooth.
Once settled, the amalgam hardens and seals the tooth. It will not expand or contract with temperature changes in the mouth. Therefore, it is a stable filling material.
Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
Composite resin can be tinted to match the color of your teeth, which means the restoration will blend in seamlessly when you smile or laugh. It also requires less preparation of the damaged tooth before placement. This preserves more of the natural structure of the tooth.
Resin is also easier to shape to the exact shape of the cavity, so the filling is not bulky. Finally, composite resin is BPA-free, unlike metal fillings which contain this harmful chemical.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are the most durable type of filling and can last up to 20 years or even longer. They are made from a blend of gold, copper, and silver. Gold fillings can be more expensive than other types of fillings but are very resistant.
When Do You Need a Dental Filling?
A cavity is a hole in a tooth that a buildup of plaque and bacteria can cause. Cavities are among the most common types of tooth damage you can experience, and they are incredibly prevalent among children.
Tooth decay, a result of cavities, is the number one chronic childhood disease. Adults are also at risk for cavities, mainly when they haven’t visited the dentist for a checkup in several years.
In addition to causing pain, extensive cavities can also result in serious infections that can affect the bone surrounding your teeth and even cause tooth loss if left untreated for too long. This is why it’s important to treat cavities as soon as possible before they can cause permanent damage to your mouth and health.
Dental fillings can restore the appearance and function of teeth damaged by cavities and prevent further damage from occurring. Dr. Meshkin can help you prevent more severe injury by treating your cavities with dental fillings.
Visit LALA Dental at 895 Moraga Rd Suite 6, Lafayette, CA 94549, or call (925) 385-8858 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Meshkin to discuss your treatment options for cavities. If you need a dental crown or another restorative treatment after a cavity is treated, Dr. Meshkin can help determine which treatment option is best for you.
