Fillings

What are fillings?

A dental filling is a restoration that repairs decayed or damaged teeth. Treating cavities, or tooth decay, is the most common reason people need fillings. After removing the decayed portion of your tooth, Dr. Moore and the team use metal or composite resin materials to restore the shape and size of your tooth. Fillings also protect decayed teeth from further damage.

What are the different types of fillings?

Fillings come in a variety of materials. The location and severity of your cavity, as well as the cost of the material, help determine the right type of filling for you. Some of the most common types of fillings include:

Metal fillings

Metal (amalgam) fillings remain the most common type of dental restoration. Not only are metal fillings affordable, but they’re also highly durable. Unfortunately, metal fillings are dark in appearance, so Dr. Moore typically recommends this material for molars in the back of the mouth.

Composite resin fillings

Composite fillings use tooth-colored materials to match the natural shade of your smile. Unlike metal fillings, Dr. Moore applies composite fillings as a liquid. After each layer, he hardens the material with a special curing light.

Porcelain fillings

Like composite fillings, porcelain fillings blend in with the natural shade of your teeth. However, they’re more durable and stain resistant. Among the three main filling materials, porcelain is the most expensive.

What happens during the dental filling process?

How Dr. Moore and the team place your filling largely depends on the type you choose. The first step in placing any type of filling is removing any trace of decay from your tooth. After removing the decay, Dr. Moore and the team clean and disinfect the tooth to prepare for the filling.

To place a metal filling, Dr. Moore mixes a solution of powdered alloy metal with liquid mercury to form a putty-like consistency. He then inserts the material into the exposed portion of your tooth to restore its shape and size, while protecting against additional damage.

Composite and porcelain fillings share similar placement processes. Dr. Moore applies a liquid solution over the chewing surfaces of your tooth, then hardens the material with a curing light. He repeats the process until your tooth returns to its natural shape and size.

To learn more about dental fillings, call Four Corners Dental and Dentures or schedule an appointment online today.