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A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its usual function and shape. When your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.

By closing off spaces where bacteria can go in, a filling also aids in preventing further decay. Some materials used for fillings include:

  • Gold
  • Porcelain
  • A composite resin (tooth-colored fillings)
  • And an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).

Understanding Which Type of Filling is Best?

No one type of filling is best for everyone. What’s ideal for you will be determined by the extent of the repair, whether you have allergies to certain materials, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and the cost.

Considerations For Different Filling Materials Include:

Gold fillings are developed to order in a laboratory and then cemented into place. Gold inlays are well tolerated by gum tissues, and may last more than 20 years. For these reasons, many Rancho Cucamonga Dentists think of gold as the best filling material. However, it is often the most pricy decision and requires a handful of visits.

Amalgam (silver) fillings are resistant to wear and a bit more expensive. However, due to their dark color, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not generally used in very visible areas, such as front teeth.

Composite (plastic) resins are matched to be the same color as your teeth and therefore used where a natural appearance is desired. The ingredients are mixed and placed directly into the cavity, where they harden.

Composites may not be the perfect material for large fillings as they tend to chip or wear over time. In addition, they can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco, and do not last as long as other types of fillings typically from three to 10 years.

Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are created and order in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist say they can be matched to the color of the tooth and resist staining. A porcelain restoration typically covers most of the tooth. Their cost is comparable to gold.

If decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist say a crown, or cap, may be suggested. Decay that has reached the nerve may be treated in two ways: through root canal therapy (in which nerve damaged nerve is removed) or through a procedure called pulp capping (which attempts to keep the nerve alive).

Filling Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga

What Happens When You Get A Filling?

If your Rancho Cucamonga Dentist chooses to fill a cavity, he or she will first remove the decay and clean the affected area. Next, the cleaned-out cavity will then be filled with any of the variety of materials described above.

How Do I Know If I Need A Filling?

Only your Rancho Cucamonga Dentist can detect whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled. During a checkup, your dentist will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth. Anything which is resembled as abnormal will then be closely checked with distinct instruments.

Your Rancho Cucamonga Dentist may also X-ray your entire mouth or a section of it. The type of treatment your dentist chooses will depend on the extent of damage caused by decay.

For the latest tips on oral health, flossing, dental care, and much more, make sure to follow our blog at: http://www.arrowdentalarts.com/blog

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