Dental Fillings
Fishers, IN
There are a few dental procedures that can be used to treat tooth decay. One of the oldest and most popular forms of treatment is a dental filling.
Dental fillings are used to fill small holes in teeth that are the result of either fractures or decay. Decay is the result of bacterial infections. Bacteria are found on your teeth when they are not brushed or flossed properly, but also a poor diet, lifestyle habits, medication, medical conditions, drug use, and more can cause tooth decay. Dental fillings cover the holes in your teeth to protect the sensitive pulp and prevent further damage.
At Vita Dental our staff prescribes to a preventative philosophy and puts your care first. We work together in harmony to provide you with a stress free and state-of-the-art dental experience. We all focus on you leaving your dental appointment feeling confident in your smile and your relationship with us. Our goal at Vita Dental is to always provide the best dental service available while you remain relaxed in our quiet environment. We understand dental anxiety, so we concentrate on creating a calming space, so you are satisfied with your dental treatment and your procedures. Do not hesitate to call us today at 317-288-4226 with any questions you might have regarding scheduling an exam to see if dental fillings are necessary and join our family today!
There are a few dental procedures that can be used to treat tooth decay. One of the oldest and most popular forms of treatment is a dental filling. Dental fillings are quite common. The average American has three dental fillings, while 25 percent has more than 10. Over the years the types of fillings have evolved, and it is now faster and easier to have a cavity treated at Vita Dental than ever before.
Call us today for more information or to get started on your new dental journey!
The Different types of Dental Fillings Available
There are a few types of tooth fillings used in the dental industry today. These include the traditional metal fillings, as well as composite fillings, which are newer and growing in popularity.
- Metal Fillings- These are made from several materials including amalgam, which is the silver material that most people are familiar with and expect to have used for their dental filling. Amalgam is made from a metal alloy containing silver, mercury, tin, and copper. These are very inexpensive and quite durable. You might have a dental filling placed on your tooth and have it for the rest of your life without ever needing to have it replaced or repaired. Another type of metal filling that is less popular, and more expensive than amalgam fillings is a gold cast filling. This is less common and takes longer to set.
- Composite Fillings- These are less visible than other fillings because they are tooth-colored. Unlike their metal counterparts, composite dental fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and glass and are bonded to the tooth. This type of filling is more expensive than traditional metal fillings, but they are far more aesthetic and can also last a long time.
- Porcelain Fillings- Porcelain fillings are a recent type of filling that uses the latest in technological advancements in the dental industry. These dental fillings are incredibly strong and look just like your real teeth. They will not stain, and they can last for decades if taken care of properly.
A Comparison Between Composite and Metal Fillings
The major difference between composite and amalgam fillings is simply the material used. Dental amalgam is a blend of several metals, including silver and mercury. It has been used successfully to fill teeth in the United States since the nineteenth century. Records of a similar amalgam are even mentioned in Chinese medical texts as far back as the first century.
Beginning in the 1990s, advances in dentistry produced new material for filling teeth. The most popular of these has become the composite fillings. The material used for composite fillings is a mixture of polymers that will adhere to the tooth surface and are hardened with a blue light.
Some people prefer this filling because it does not contain mercury. Because it is tooth-colored, it is not easily discernible. Composite resins are strong enough to withstand pressures with the back teeth, and usually last ten years or more, making them an attractive, practical, and comfortable alternative to metal amalgam.
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Use the contact form below or call us at (317) 288-4226
The Dental Filling Procedure
Dental fillings are a quite common dental procedure. They are performed by dentists all over the world daily. The procedure is simple and can be completed in less than an hour.
The first step in preparing for a filling is for Vita Dental to administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and immediate soft tissue. Next, we clean and remove and decay with a high-speed dental drill. X-rays will be taken to identify the cavity or diseased area.
At this time, we can discuss and determine the right cavity filling material for your needs and preferences. The tooth is then cleaned and prepared to receive the filling. If you chose the composite filling, less tooth surface needs to be removed and altered than if you are having metal fillings placed.
Proper Dental Filling Aftercare
Once your dental filling is placed, you may continue to have a numbing sensation in the area for several hours. Once the numbness has worn off, you are able to resume your daily activities. You will treat your filling like you do the rest of your teeth: continuing to brush and floss properly will ensure your dental filling lasts a long time.
During regular check-ups and exams with Vita Dental, we will check the integrity of the filling and make sure that further decay has not occurred. You may experience some sensitivity for a few weeks following your dental filling as well. This is common and will subside after some time.
If you have pain in the area, talk to us right away. If your dental filling ever cracks or falls out, make an appointment right away to have it repaired or replaced to prevent further damage from occurring in the tooth.
We Put Patients First
AT VITA DENTAL
If you have questions about Vita Dental or any of the procedures we offer, please contact our office at (317) 288-4226 or via an online contact form. We will gladly schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your treatment options.
We Love Our Patients!
Everyone at Vita Dental is confident that you are comfortable in our comprehensive, caring office. We will treat you like family since you are our friends and neighbors. We focus on providing exceptional dental care in a high-quality, relaxing environment. Give us a call today at 317-288-4226 with any questions regarding the benefits of a dental filling, or any concerns you might have.
Vita Dental is a modern dental practice serving Fishers, Indiana, and the surrounding communities. You can find Vita Dental at 11630 Olio Rd, #100, Fishers, IN 46037.
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