Dental fillings are often used to restore teeth that have a small amount of tooth decay, otherwise known as a cavity.

Fillings are a common restorative procedure in modern dentistry with the prevalence of cavities not just in children, but adults as well. All of the sugar-infested foods and drinks we consume are large culprits of tooth decay. Even foods like pasta, bread and fruits can cause decay if they stay on teeth.

TYPES OF DENTAL FILLINGS

You have a choice in the type of dental filling you desire, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Composite Fillings
These offer excellent strength, because they chemically bond to your tooth. In the past the past, they typically were not as strong as amalgam fillings but with advances in materials they are long lasting and reliable. They require less tooth structure to be drilled as well.

Silver (amalgam) Fillings
The least expensive option that offers strength at the cost of giving you an unnatural appearance in your teeth. They also contain mercury, a substance that is known to cause toxicity in humans. At Dr. Sally’s office we have chosen not to use silver fillings.

Glass Ionomers
This material is similar to composites in that they are white, but not as esthetic as composites. Strength wise they are not as strong, so indicated for smaller fillings. They great for root cavities for example where there is no biting force. The advantages of glass ionomers are they are often BPA free, resistant to new decay around the margins, are very friendly to the gums, and release fluoride.

Dr. Sally Kashani is a dental fillings specialist near Toluca Lake, call (818) 508–7272 to learn more or schedule an appointment.