Dental Fillings - Cavity Treatment And Dental Fillings Options

Dental fillings are used to treat cavities. To do this, the decayed part of a tooth is removed and then filled. Fillings also repair broken teeth, cracks and teeth that are worn down. With modern dental care, dental fillings Los Angeles procedure has been made easy. 

Dental Fillings for Cavity Treatment

The process is simple. The dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the gums around the tooth to be filled. The decayed area is removed by use of a drill, a laser or an air abrasion instrument. The dentist will choose an instrument based on the convenience it gives the dentist. After the decay has been removed, the tooth is tested to ensure all the decay has been removed. If the decay was near the root, the dentist will add a liner to protect the nerves. This liner can be made of glass ionomer or composite resin among other materials. 

The filling material is added in layers. A special light is passed on the first layer to harden and cure it before the second layer is added. After Century City dental fillings are in, the dentist will trim it to the desired shape and remove the excess material. The final step is polishing. 

Dental Fillings Options

Century City dental fillings can be placed directly into the cavity, direct fillings, or an impression of your tooth can be created and the filling bonded around the tooth, indirect filling. 

Amalgam

Amalgam is a classic filling option. It has been used for more than 150 years. True to their name, these fillings are made of a mixture of metals. They are made of about 50 percent mercury and another metal such as tin, silver, copper or zinc. Amalgam fillings are cost-effective, strong, and long lasting. 

However, these fillings are silver in color. With time, they tend to become darker, making them visible when you open your mouth. While FDA has determined that the level of mercury is not harmful to patients above age six, you might prefer to have metal free dental fillings. 

Composite

Composite fillings are a mixture of different materials. They are made of acrylic resin and powdered glass. The good thing is, composite tooth fillings can be colored to match the natural color of a patient’s teeth. This makes it an ideal choice if you are looking for a natural smile. 

However, this material is much less durable compared to amalgam. Granted, it is suitable for small fillings on teeth that experience minimal pressure when chewing. 

Gold Dentistry

Gold is expensive, but it is one of the most durable of dental fillings, lasting more than two decades. Besides the cost of buying the filling, gold is used in indirect filling and, therefore, you spend a little more time in a dentist’s office before it is installed on your tooth. 

Porcelain

Porcelain is one form of indirect metal free dental fillings, and it usually requires a number of visits to the dentist, which tend to increase the overall cost of treatment. Porcelain is more fragile compared to gold and need great care. Patients love porcelain, seeing that it looks like actual teeth and helps retain the natural appearance of your teeth. 

Resin/Glass Ionomer

Resin or Glass Ionomers are used on kids. Even when they are on their baby teeth, these fillings can be used to fill small areas of decay. The material can also be used on permanent teeth, but on areas that experience little to no pressure. 

Need a Dental Fillings Los Angeles? 

There are lots of dental fillings options, but, objectively, no option can be said to be better than the other. Matter of fact, you need to maintain good dental hygiene routine to stay away from cavities. If you need dental fillings Los Angeles, reach out to Dr. Arman Torbati.