Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings are among the most commonly executed restorative procedures we see here at Everwell Dentistry. Our years of experience leave our hands more than capable of taking care of you and your cavity’s needs. There are a lot of options to choose from, but our most popular are likely our composite, or “tooth-colored” fillings. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have, but we hope the following can ease any unrest you may have concerning your upcoming procedure.

What Is a Filling?

When there is decay within a tooth, it must be taken care of immediately. If left untreated, it will continue to worsen, and over time can cause severe pain, breaking teeth, and gum disease. For small superficial cavities, a filling is often the best option. This includes removing the decaying part of your tooth and filling in space with metal or composite fillings. There are benefits to both, but we stick to composite fillings. These are beneficial aesthetically and structurally, as they are almost indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Metal fillings require dentists to remove some healthy tooth as well as the decay. This “under-cutting” is not required with composite fillings that are filled in layers and cured.

Do You Need a Filling?

Fillings are used for decay that is small and near the surface. Once the decay has reached the dentin of your teeth, alternate methods like a root canal may be necessary. Our staff is expertly trained and will decide which method will be the most effective in your unique circumstances.

Are Composite Fillings Easier or Safer Than Their Metal Counterparts?

Both varieties have their benefits. It can be argued that metal fillings can be dangerous as their compositions include mercury, which, though non-radioactive is still toxic. However, there is not significant information supporting this concept. Metal fillings are also extremely hard, and although that was considered a bonus before, it has been shown that our teeth do flex when we bite into things. It is also not easier to install a metal filling than a composite, another common misconception.

Metal fillings can damage the structure of the tooth, while only the decay is removed with composites. Since composites are often put in using a layer method and curing each layer, they last longer and can lead to a much stronger restoration. Since composites have as many bonuses to them as they do, we tend to use them more frequently and with more confidence than we do metal.

No matter where you go, you are bound to learn or hear something new about fillings. Everwell Dentistry works with skill and confidence, and with plenty of experience to back up our work. If you have any questions or concerns, our expert staff is always knowledgeable and will ease your mind.