Fillings and Restoration

Dental fillings are used to treat teeth that have cavities or decay. They can also be used to repair injured teeth that have fractures. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay. There are two different kinds of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, and veneers. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown.

What is bonding?

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling “bonds” with your tooth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.  Tooth bonding can also be used for tooth fillings instead of silver amalgam. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than silver. Bonded fillings can be used on front or back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.

At Prima Family Dental we first assess the situation to see if dental bonding is the right treatment for you. If so, a bio-compatible tooth-colored composite resin will be used and applied to your tooth/teeth. The resin is then shaped to mask the part of the tooth that needs to be bonded. Once the resin is applied, a special light is used to harden the resin almost instantly.

in general, the bonding is used to address these issues:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Discolored teeth

Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments, such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, tell your doctor. The bonding can generally be easily patched or repaired in one visit.

At Prima Family Dental we provide thorough examinations and detailed explanations that will allow patients to catch problems early on and help you best maintain the  smile. Our goal in every service is to improve you health and life. To learn more about our cosmetic bonding services or to book an appointment with us, please visit our Contact page.