Tooth FillingAn Overview
Most patients will receive a tooth filling to address tooth decay at some point in their life. Centreville, VA dentist, Dr. Nadder Hassan uses either metal amalgam or high-quality dental resin that can be color matched to blend naturally with the tooth in his tooth filling treatment. Dental fillings are a routine dental procedure most commonly used to repair damage caused by tooth decay. A tooth filling is a treatment option used when decay is caught in the earliest stages of development. A cavity filling is designed to prevent future decay or damage and to restore the integrity of the tooth structure.
Tooth decay is an unfortunate dental problem especially prevalent among children and adolescents. A tooth cavity is commonly caused by plaque buildup. Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the keys to minimizing your risk of tooth decay, thus minimizing your risk of needing a tooth filling, and can provide the foundation for lifelong dental health.
Types of Dental Fillings
Which type of tooth filling you receive will depend on your cosmetic concerns, budget and how damaged the tooth is. Dr. Hassan offers the following types of dental fillings in his Centreville, VA dentist office:
Amalgam Filling – This is a traditional tooth filling that is made from metal and looks like silver. Patients looking for an economical way to treat tooth decay may choose an amalgam dental filling. Some patients choose to replace their old amalgam fillings with white resin fillings for a more aesthetic smile.
Resin Dental Filling – A resin dental filling is mercury free, highly durable, and decay and stain resistant. A white tooth filling can be matched and shaped to blend seamlessly with your smile and are nearly indistinguishable from the natural tooth. For patients with an amalgam filling in their βsmile-zone,β Dr. Hassan may suggest replacing them with a resin tooth filling for a more natural looking smile.
Inlay & Onlay – A dental inlay or onlay is often referred to as a partial dental crown. This type of tooth filling is used to restore a tooth with more advanced tooth decay. If large areas of the tooth have been damaged by decay, or if the decay is in a deep crevice of a tooth, and inlay or onlay is a more conservative treatment than a tooth extraction and more secure than a traditional tooth filling.
