Tooth Fillings in Millwoods, Southeast Edmonton
Amalgam Free Restorations
We generally strive to be a mercury-free practice. A few people still have mercury/silver fillings. We can provide this type of filling for people who have medical reasons or prefer amalgam. However, silver fillings are not very aesthetically pleasing and can weaken your tooth. With new technologies, tooth-colored restorations are now possible. They blend in seamlessly with your teeth and are very durable.
Disadvantages of Silver Fillings
There are many drawbacks to silver fillings. They are prone to wear and tear, which can cause your tooth to be exposed. The silver metal fillings will start to expand with time and can potentially split. They also are half comprised of mercury, which can cause corrosion and stains on your teeth. Tooth-colored restorations are now used to replace the silver fillings.
Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
Tooth-colored restorations offer a natural finish and look beautiful. The resin fillings are bonded to your teeth, creating a very tight fit. This restoration can be used when you have lost a majority of your tooth structure.
Bonded Fillings (Composite Fillings)
One of the alternatives to amalgam fillings is bonded fillings which are natural or tooth-coloured composite restorations.
Composite fillings can repair teeth that have been affected by fractures, cracks, and decay. Your dentist will remove the decay and fill the tooth with a composite filling.
There are various fillings available. Your dentist will determine which type of filling is the most ideal for you. Composite fillings look natural as they are matched to the color of your teeth.
Composite fillings are durable, lasting many years. However, they are not permanent and must be replaced over time.
Reasons for composite fillings:
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are chipped
- Teeth that are cracked or broken
- Teeth with decay
- Teeth that are worn
Placement of Composite Fillings
The space is then cleaned thoroughly and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay is near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication is applied for added protection. The composite filling is then precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however, this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.
Inlays and Onlays
When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.
How are inlays and onlays applied?
Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling is replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Your dentist at Agape Dental Clinic Mill Woods will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
