THE BEST RESTORATIVE FILLING MATERIAL FOR YOUR TEETH
   
  You have a cavity or need to replace an old filling.  In the world of modern, high tech dentistry, there are several choices of materials that can be used.  So that you can make a more informed decision, we will discuss the most state of the art materials and their use in specific applications.  We do not place silver/amalgam fillings because they are subject to fracture; turn the tooth dark, and separate from the tooth.
   
  The advanced technology materials which include composites and porcelains and also gold, bond to the tooth making it stronger as well as making it look so much nicer.  These materials are used because of their strength, longevity and esthetics.  Keep in mind that the stronger materials last longer and, while the initial investment is somewhat more than silver amalgam, you will have the piece of mind that your tooth is restored with great durability and pleasing esthetics.
 

COMPOSITE, DIRECT PLACEMENT RESTORATION
   
 
This one appointment, composite restoration is made from a mixture of porcelain particles and resin and is matched to the color of your tooth.  Composite material is very strong and ideal in small to medium cavities where there is adequate tooth structure remaining to retain the internal filling.
 
A major reason for amalgam filling failure is breakdown at the tooth-filling margin.  After a few years, the amalgam separates from the tooth creating a gap or crevice, which causes leakage and bacterial formation under the filling resulting in tooth decay. The picture at left shows an old amalgam filling with small and large gaps around it.  Also note the rough, pitted surface.
   
   
 
 
Composite material when used with bonding actually create a tight seal between the filling and the tooth that makes leakage impossible and prevents fluids and bacteria from entering inside your tooth, thus reducing the possibility of recurrent decay.
 
This bond created between the filling and the enamel of the tooth adds great strength, which prevents the filling from coming out or breakage of the tooth. The picture at right is the same tooth as above restored to beauty and strength.
   
   
 

LAB FABRICATED TOOTH COLORED ONLAY
   
 
An onlay is a tooth conserving procedure requiring minimum reduction of your tooth, in contrast to a crown that requires much more tooth removal.  After an impression is taken, our dental laboratory will custom make this durable, composite material to exactly fit the mold of your tooth. 
 

The material is heat and pressure cured for added strength and then bonded to your tooth at the second, short visit, making your tooth very strong. Porcelain is also used as an alternative material for the onlay.   The picture at left shows old existing amalgam fillings that have weakened the inner and outer walls of the teeth. Also note the gaps or crevices shown as dark lines between the filling and tooth that have allowed decay to form inside the tooth.
   
 
The purpose of the onlay is to “cap or overlay” the biting surfaces of the tooth to protect the tooth walls from breakage. This overlay acts as a brace or cast to protect the weak tooth walls. 
 
The dentist will choose a color that matches very close to your adjacent teeth which gives the finished product a very natural appearance.  In the picture at right are the same two molar teeth as the above picture.  Which fillings would you rather have in your mouth?
 
The answer is obvious; the ones with the onlays, which have restored the teeth to esthetic beauty and have made them strong and durable for many years.
   
   
 

LAB FABRICATED GOLD ONLAY
   
 
The strongest and most durable material available in dentistry is gold.  Like a composite onlay, gold restorations require two appointments.  Gold is much more esthetic that amalgam/silver fillings because it maintains its color and polish unlike amalgam which darkens, cracks and develops a pitted, rough surface.  Amalgam will also darken and stain the surrounding tooth enamel, while gold protects the enamel and does not darken the tooth.
 
Some people may not care for the look of gold, while others are more interested in the added strength. Gold is the most durable material that can be used.  It will never crack, chip or break and rarely wears out, even after many years in the mouth.  If the onlay is in an area of the mouth that does not show when you smile, such as the last molar teeth, gold is an excellent choice.
 
  The picture above shows gold onlays on a tooth in front of the first molar and one on the last molar tooth. As you can see, there are several choices of materials to restore your teeth.  Our doctors can advise you of which material will work best for your particular need.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask our doctors or team members.
   
  We are here to help restore your mouth to health with the best materials available in dentistry today.  Your mouth will feel and look great and bring back the confidence that you can again feel good about yourself because of the investment you made in restoring your teeth.