What is a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings play one of the most important roles in dentistry, remaining one of the most common dental treatments today- and one that almost every person will receive at some point in their lives. A dental filling is almost certain when a patient has a tooth cavity, a dental filling can actually serve both restorative and cosmetic purposes for teeth that are decayed or damaged.
Dr. Welinsky offers different types of dental fillings to meet the varying needs of our patients. However, in most cases, a composite resin or white filling is recommended for its durability and natural aesthetics.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?
- Amalgam fillings: the traditional material used for dental fillings, amalgam remains popular today for its durability and reasonable cost.
- Gold fillings: an expensive dental filling alternative, gold is an option for larger back teeth with varied biting surfaces because of its strength and lasting durability.
- Composite resin: also called a white filling, the composite resin is also a durable material that can be color-matched for a natural-looking result, especially recommended for teeth that are visible when smiling or talking.
- Porcelain fillings: also known as an inlay, porcelain fillings provide superior strength and stain resistance as well as an excellent-looking result.
What Will Be Recommended For Me?
Dr. Welinsky uses a range of quality materials for placing dental fillings, depending on the size and location of the affected tooth and the cosmetic goals of the patient. In all cases, we will get to know you as a person first along with your goals for your smile. Then we will recommend an appropriate dental filling for an aesthetically pleasing result that will provide both durability and protection from future decay.
Dental Fillings: What to Expect
Dr. Welinsky will typically use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to be filled. Next, a drill, or laser will be used to gently remove the decayed area.
Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, Dr. Welinsky may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it.
For white fillings, a special light that “cures” or hardens each layer is applied. When the process is completed, Dr. Welinsky will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish it for the final step.
Does Dr. Welinsky Replace Old Fillings?
Yes. Old, dark, or leaking amalgam fillings can be replaced with a new white filling for an instant smile makeover and improved long-term dental health.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are a step further than dental fillings. They’re for when you need more than just a filling, but don’t need a full dental crown. An inlay is designed to fit into the chewing surface of the tooth but doesn’t deal with the cusps of the tooth. When you have tooth decay and need more stability and strength than a filling can provide, this is a good choice.
Onlays are also called partial crowns because of the job they do. An onlay takes on the biting surface of the tooth, as well as the cusps. They allow you to keep more of your natural tooth structure as opposed to a dental crown. It gives you strength in your tooth and gives you more freedom of use.
Dental Filling FAQs
Does getting a filling hurt?
Many people are worried about pain while getting a filling. But many patients report little or no discomfort when getting a filling, let alone pain. The area is also numbed thoroughly before the filling process starts.
Is having tooth fillings normal?
Tooth decay is one of the most widespread health problems. Over 90% of adults have at least one filling in their mouth. Fillings are definitely a common procedure to have.
Do fillings wear down over time?
Just like natural teeth, fillings can wear down over time. However, the better you take care of your teeth, the less you’ll have to worry.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you experiencing tooth pain or interested in learning if you may be a candidate for a dental filling? Then schedule a consultation with Dr. Welinsky. Our office welcomes new patients of all ages to join our family. Contact us at 410-321-8480 or use our online appointment request form and we will contact you shortly. Dr. Welinsky’s Baltimore, MD area dentist office is convenient for patients in Towson, West Towson, Parkville, and many suburbs in Baltimore, MD.