One of the most common dental procedures is a dental filling. At Levesque Dentistry, we offer a variety of mercury-free options, including tooth bonding, inlays/onlays, and precious metal fillings (gold).
In addition, we can replace old, dark fillings to improve both the health and appearance of your smile. The material your dentist recommends for a dental filling will depend on the location of the tooth and the severity of the decay and damage.
Tooth Bonding: White Fillings in Nashua, NH
Tooth bonding is a relatively simple procedure to fill a tooth cavity. Your dentist can also use bonding to cover stained teeth and repair a chipped tooth. First, the dentist will use a tooth-colored composite resin and mold it over the tooth for a virtually invisible restoration.
After the dentist applies the resin, they will use an ultraviolet light to harden the resin. Then, the dentist will polish the restoration to give you a fresh new smile.
Tooth bonding is semi-permanent. With proper care and maintenance, tooth bonding should last for ten or more years. This is one of the safest, quickest, and most affordable treatment options.
Inlays & Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are conservative, natural-looking tooth restorations. Dentists use inlays and onlays to restore tooth cavities or repair broken and worn teeth. We sometimes refer to inlays and onlays as porcelain fillings, white fillings, or partial crowns.
In our Nashua dental office, we use CEREC technology to create porcelain (white) inlays and onlays. These provide a smooth, tooth-colored replacement of tooth material lost to cavities.
CEREC inlays are designed and custom fabricated using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology to perfectly match your tooth and bring it back to its natural strength.
The CEREC inlay is superior to amalgam or composite fillings because of its superior esthetics and strength. With enamel-like material, they look and feel like your real teeth and are longer lasting.
As with most CEREC restorations, your inlay can be completed in just one office visit.
This means you can avoid the messy impression trays, temporary restorations, and return appointments associated with lab-fabricated ceramic restorations.
The Dental Filling Process
We offer porcelain and metal-free fillings for natural-looking results. The dental filling procedure is performed during a single visit to our office unless a larger filling is required and an inlay or onlay is placed. For your comfort, a local anesthetic will be administered before we begin.
The first step is to gently remove all decayed material or tooth surface and to thoroughly clean the area to be filled. Using a tooth-colored bio-compatible composite, your dentist will fill the area and sculpt the material for a natural fit and comfortable bite. Once the filling is in place, we will permanently seal it with a special light and polish the surface.
Dental Filling FAQs
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures in our office. To learn more, read the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Why do I need a dental filling?
If you have a cavity or tooth decay, you need a dental filling. If left untreated, a cavity can grow larger and cause further damage to the tooth, leading to pain, infection, or tooth loss. A filling helps restore the tooth, prevent additional damage, and restore its normal function.
What are the signs that I might need a dental filling?
Signs that you may need a dental filling include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, visible holes or pits in your teeth, or a rough spot on a tooth you can feel with your tongue. If you experience these symptoms, visit your dentist for an evaluation.
Do dental fillings hurt?
Getting a dental filling is usually not painful because the area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia. Some people may experience slight discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few days. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, contact your dentist.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the material used. Amalgam fillings typically last 10 to 15 years, while composite fillings may last 5 to 7 years. Gold fillings are durable and can last 15 years or longer, and ceramic fillings also tend to last a long time, around 10 to 15 years. Proper oral care, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, can help extend the life of your fillings.
Are dental fillings safe?
Yes, dental fillings are safe. Modern filling materials are well-tested, and dentists take great care to ensure the filling procedure is done correctly. Amalgam fillings contain a small amount of mercury, but research has shown that they are safe and that the amount released is too low to cause harm. If you have concerns about the materials used, speak with your dentist about alternative options.
Can fillings be done on baby teeth?
Yes, fillings can be placed on baby teeth if they develop cavities. Although baby teeth eventually fall out, it’s still essential to fill cavities in them to prevent pain, infection, and damage to the adult teeth coming in underneath. Your dentist will use appropriate materials based on the location and size of the cavity.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Not sure if you need a tooth filling, dental bonding, inlay, or dental onlay? Schedule a routine dental exam today and discuss your options with your dentist in Nashua, NH.
We are your trusted family dentistry for all ages. Give us a call at (802) 424-8517, or request an appointment online today.