Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a type of restorative treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, for example composite, or porcelain may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing.

During preventative dental hygiene checkups, or dental emergency visits prompted by a toothache, we evaluates your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure. We identify the number of tooth surfaces affected by decay or damage, and then prepares the tooth and necessary surrounding areas in order to restore the damaged area. The decay or damage is removed with a dental hand-piece or laser, and the area is cleansed to remove bacteria or debris before the restoration is completed.

The first step in performing a composite filling procedure involves isolation of the tooth. Tooth isolation is critical in a composite restoration, because it prevents moisture from interfering with the bonding process. The bonding procedure requires the placement of various adhesives followed by the composite material, which is then hardened with a special bonding light. The completed composite restoration is both functional and natural looking.

On average composite fillings are expected to last five to seven years, while porcelain may last for more than 3 times that. This of course is dependent on your unique considerations, the care with which you treat your oral hygiene and your commitment to continued dental visits.