What to Expect
A filling restores a section of a tooth damaged by decay. By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, the filling prevents further decay. Your dentist will almost always be able to prep the tooth and set the filling in one visit. We typically use a composite tooth-colored resin . The filling ingredients are mixed, placed into the cavity and hardened. The resin bonds to the tooth and increases its strength over time. They typically last 10 years or more. In rare cases, we use porcelain tooth fillings (called inlays or onlays) that are produced in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be color-matched to your natural teeth and are stain-resistant.
Composite Fillings
Unlike the noticeable silver tooth filling, white tooth fillings are made with a resin material that blends into the tooth so the filling is virtually invisible. In addition to being more attractive, the resin strengthens the teeth and lowers the risk of fractures that occur due to the expansion and contraction properties of silver dental fillings that do not bond to teeth. Because resin bonds to the tooth, it enables the dentist to save more of the natural tooth structure, leaving more of the healthy part of the tooth intact.
Replacing Aging Silver Fillings
Many patients come to Sage Dental to replace silver (amalgam)
fillings. Our dentists can easily replace old silver fillings to produce more natural-looking results. Although silver fillings have proven to be an effective solution for treating tooth decay, they have become less popular over the years since they contain mercury, which has been shown to cause health problems. Replacing a silver filling with an aesthetically pleasing white composite filling usually requires just one visit to the dentist.
The Affordable Solution
Like all treatments performed by Sage Dental, our composite dental fillings for cavities are an affordable solution. Find a location near you and contact us today for more information on pricing and to schedule an appointment.
No dental insurance? With our Sage Dental SageCare+ program, you can save up to 65% off our standard fees on all general, specialty and even cosmetic dental care. We also offer a number of financing options to help make this treatment accessible to all of our patients.
