Dental fillings are a common and effective treatment used to restore teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear. At Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics, our expert team uses the latest materials and techniques to provide durable, natural-looking fillings that enhance both the function and appearance of your teeth.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
- Decay Removal: Effectively removes decayed portions of your tooth, preventing further damage.
- Restored Function: Reinforces the structure of the tooth, allowing you to chew and speak with ease.
- Natural Appearance: Modern filling materials blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a discreet repair.
- Enhanced Oral Health: Prevents the spread of decay to adjacent teeth, maintaining overall oral health.
- Quick and Painless: The procedure is straightforward, often completed in a single visit with minimal discomfort.
Types of Dental Fillings
- Made from a tooth-colored resin, composite fillings blend perfectly with your natural teeth.
- Pros: Aesthetic appeal, bonds directly to the tooth structure, less removal of tooth material.
- Cons: Slightly less durable than other materials for large cavities.
- A durable mixture of metals including silver, mercury, tin, and copper.
- Pros: Extremely durable and long-lasting, especially for molars and larger cavities.
- Cons: More noticeable than composite fillings due to their metallic color.
- Made from high-quality porcelain, ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and highly resistant to staining.
- Pros: Aesthetic appeal, durable, and resistant to wear.
- Cons: Higher cost compared to other filling materials.
The Dental Filling Procedure
- Consultation and Examination: Our dentist will examine your teeth and discuss the best filling material for your needs.
- Decay Removal: The decayed portion of the tooth is removed to prevent further damage.
- Filling Placement: The chosen filling material is applied to the cleaned cavity and shaped for a natural look.
- Finishing Touches: The filling is polished to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Caring for Your Fillings
Maintaining your dental fillings is simple with good oral hygiene practices:
- Daily Brushing and Flossing: Keep your teeth and fillings clean to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit us every six months to ensure your fillings and overall oral health are in top condition.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of chewing on hard objects that could damage your fillings.