Fillings/Restorations

WORKING TO FILL YOU WITH CONFIDENCE

Let’s face it. Having a tooth filled is not on anyone’s list of things they want to do, but it is indeed one of those things that must be done. Come and meet a dentist in Daytona and Port Orange who will take great care to ensure your comfort level anxiety wise and pain wise!

Although The Pampered Tooth is a mercury-free practice (meaning we do not use amalgam fillings); many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. Not only is dental mercury not environmentally friendly, these silver/mercury fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye and can result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays/onlays and tooth-colored fillings are esthetically pleasing and very strong.

Because your Healthy Mouth Healthy You journey is of the utmost importance to us, we are pleased to offer you the The Pampered Plan.

Disadvantages of Silver Fillings

Silver fillings do have drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak, or even break. This results in the tooth not being protected and vulnerable to more cavities. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

At The Pampered Tooth,  we use composite tooth-colored material when restoring your teeth to optimum function. We utilize various shades of composite “filling” material to achieve the most natural and esthetic look. We only use the best material on your teeth to help avoid sensitivity the can sometimes occur.

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. “Fillings” or resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

The resin used in tooth-colored restorations can also help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result? A beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations. This process may require two appointments, depending on whether a direct (made in-office) or indirect (made in the lab) restoration is used.

With a direct restoration (“filling”), the dentist removes the decay and/or old filling and properly contours the tooth to receive the “filling”. The tooth is then prepared with etchant and adhesive, and the tooth colored restorative material is placed into the tooth and shaped to the proper contours. By using a specially designed curing light, the material hardens within seconds which eliminates the hassle of having to wait for the material to harden.  Your new tooth colored restoration (your filling) is now complete!

The indirect (made in lab) restoration is similar to a crown, except for less tooth structure is removed compared to a crown. Dr. Hanson will discuss which option is best for you. Two appointments are required for an indirect restoration:

Your First Appointment

1. The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.

2. An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.

3. A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth, covering the exposed area.

At the Lab

A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.

Your Second Appointment

1. The temporary onlay is removed.

2. A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.

3. Bonding cement is placed on the tooth, and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.

4. The tooth is then polished.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger, and the tooth is protected. Voila, there you have it, The Pampered Tooth!