Dental fillings are the simplest yet, most effective tooth restorations that exist in the world of dentistry. They are mainly used to restore teeth that have cavities. They can also be used to treat minor cracks on the teeth, reshape or re-contour teeth that are out of shape, fill the occlusal grooves, etc.
Metal fillings
Metal fillings were the most widely used type of fillings a few years ago. Some of the metal fillings used in dentistry are amalgam, silver, gold, etc. However, in recent times, we only use absolutely metal-free fillings. This is due to the various drawbacks of metal fillings, such as their toxic nature, irregular rate of expansion, potential risk of leakage, etc.
What are non-metal dental fillings?
Non-metal fillings are either made from ceramic or composite, a dental-grade, tooth-colored material that gets rid of most of the drawbacks that metal fillings had. Along with it, they offer some of the most advanced features that make them the go-to choice to fill a cavity. They are:
- Tooth-colored fillings are highly durable. Their rate of wear is almost negligible, pretty much like the natural enamel.
- They offer excellent sealing properties. Microbes in the mouth will not be able to enter the cavity from the sides, thanks to their amazing sealing ability.
- Tooth-colored fillings are non-toxic. They are biocompatible and do not harm the natural tissues of the human body.
- Their appearance can be customized to match that of the tooth perfectly. Anyone who looks at your smile wouldn’t be able to spot the filling amidst the teeth.
- Tooth-colored fillings help to hold the tooth intact, thereby restoring at least 80% to 90% of the tooth’s original strength.
Procedure
Getting a filling placed is one of the most straightforward dental procedures. During the initial consultation, the dentist will diagnose the decayed teeth and decide whether or not you require fillings. A scaling tip will help to remove the decayed tissues from the cavity. A jet of water will wash off the debris and any food particles lodged in the cavity.
Next, the dentist prepares the filling material by matching it with the color, texture, and translucency of the tooth. An etching solution will be applied on the cavity to roughen it, after which the dentist applies the filling to the cavity. It will be molded according to the contour of the tooth. Since the filling is usually photosensitive, a curing light is used to harden it. It will be polished to give it just the right luster.
Call us at (773) 880-2310 to have a consultation with Dr. Grandberry, and learn more about non-metal dental fillings. We also serve Lakeview and Lincoln Park areas of Chicago, 60657.
