Dental Fillings

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are restorations of tooth structure that has been lost to infection (decay) or trauma. Dental fillings are an affordable, conservative and natural-looking solution where tooth structure has been damaged or lost. 

Our tooth-colored fillings at Ardent Care some of the most aesthetic restorations available today.

Quick Links:

1. Dental Fillings—Conservative Tooth Restoration
2. How do I know if I need a filling?
3. Cavity Prevention — What can I do to prevent the need for a filling?
4. What’s the difference between a filling and an inlay/onlay?
5. What are composite resin fillings and restorations

Dental Fillings—A Conservative Solution for Tooth Restoration

At Ardent Care, we rely on high-quality materials, the latest technology, and techniques to create restorations for our patients that last for years. Our goal is to create results that are designed to be comfortable and beautiful. We use tooth-colored fillings as restorations when our patients have:

• Tooth decay
• Chipped teeth
• Older fillings that are no longer fitting well

How do I know if I need a filling?

If you have a small to medium sized area of decay, or an older filling that needs replacement, a dental filling may be recommended. Dental decay is often not sensitive or painful until advanced stages, so a ‘cavity’ may be diagnosed at an exam. Often cavities between our teeth can only be seen with dental x-rays.

When you come in for an evaluation and a tooth is in need of treatment, Dr. Watts discusses your options for your situation. 

Cavity Prevention — What can I do to prevent the need for a filling?

The best way to fight cavities and maintain healthy gums and teeth is to establish a daily habit of good oral hygiene. Here are 5 ways to ward off tooth decay and prevent cavities:

• Regularly use a toothpaste with fluoride or another remineralization component
• Brush after meals and snacks
• Drink more water and reduce the frequency of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages
• Clean between your teeth on a daily basis
• Ask your hygienist about applying fluoride to your teeth at your dental cleaning visits

What’s the difference between a filling and an inlay/onlay?

Inlays and onlays are used when the damage or decay to a tooth requires more than a filling—but less than a crown. In other words, if your tooth does not have enough tooth structure for a filling but it is not so severely damaged that it warrants a crown, you may be an excellent candidate for an inlay or onlay.

Dental onlays are usually made of a ceramic material that is chosen to match the color of the surrounding teeth. They are more conservative than a crown and can preserve healthy tooth structure, while providing the benefits of protecting a tooth from fracture. 

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What are composite resin fillings and restorations?

Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and commonly used today. They are sometimes called “white” fillings because of their color. Filling materials come in a variety of shades to allow the dentist to match the filling material to the shade of the tooth, allowing them to be nearly invisible. 

Composite resin fillings are made of a type of plastic (an acrylic resin) reinforced with powdered glass filler. Composite resin is often placed in layers to build up the final restoration, then cured with ultra-violet light.

Resin fillings work well in small to medium sized areas and allow the dentist to preserve more natural tooth structure.

We are excited to be able to restore decayed teeth to their optimal appearance and function with fillings, inlays, and onlays. At Ardent Care, we use dental fillings for patients of all ages.

The result of high-quality composite fillings is a beautiful, healthy smile. For more information about our dental fillings, call our office today at Ardent Care Phone Number 541-465-9821.

Before & After Photos

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