Dental Fillings
Henderson, NV
Prevent Tooth Decay with Dental Fillings
Extensive decay can impact the structural integrity of your teeth. Getting dental fillings can help rebuild their natural form and restore teeth’s function and strength.
Tooth decay, or dental caries, affects both adults and children worldwide and is considered the most prevalent chronic problem. Sealing the pits with durable filling materials prevents further damage to the tooth structure and other oral health complications.
Green Valley Smile Care provides gentle and precise treatment to combat cavities and safeguard smiles. We are at the forefront of dental advancement, which helps us offer long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing dental fillings in Henderson.
The Evolution of Dental Fillings Throughout History
Archaeological evidence indicates that emergency and restorative care were common solutions for dental problems during ancient times. Traces of dental filling materials are discovered in the skeletal remains of individuals who lived approximately 8000 BC. It wasn't until the 19th century, after millennia of primitive methods, that modern metal fillings like dental amalgam finally emerged. Initially, gold was a popular choice for all kinds of dental restorations because of its aesthetic appeal and durability. Soon, the trend shifted to amalgam fillings, a straightforward substitute, which uses a fusion of mercury with copper, tin, and silver. This composition made the filling materials a more long-lasting, affordable alternative.
Most dental fillings include amalgam and silver-colored restorations, which have become popular in recent decades. In the past 50 years, new filling materials have consistently evolved and are used by many dentists to preserve teeth's structural integrity. Aesthetic improvements are nowadays essential alongside longevity and strength when it comes to dental restorations. Both metal and mercury-free fillings are now available for patients, blending with surrounding teeth and ensuring natural-looking restorations. Altering the function and shape is effortless with a dental filling procedure.
Our Dedication To Restoring Beautiful Smiles And Oral Health
Green Valley Smile Care tailors treatment to meet your dental needs and surpass your expectations. Our dentist takes the time to explain all treatment options to restore your teeth and beautiful smile. From sorting filling materials to gently removing decay or dental damage, we do everything to protect natural tooth structure. We are dedicated to making your restorations cosmetically pleasing and long-lasting, which contributes to a healthy mouth. Call us today to explore your choices in dental filling materials for optimal oral health.
What Are The Types Of Dental Fillings?
Although amalgam and gold have been used in dental fillings for more than a century, the latest advancements in dental technology introduce many more alternatives for restorations. Alongside durability and strength, new filling materials maintain natural-looking, aesthetic results. Several options are available for a filling procedure, so choose wisely as per your unique dental needs.
Some Frequently Used Filling Materials Include The Following:
Composite Fillings
Popular as tooth-colored or white fillings, composite fillings are widely used in various dental procedures. They comprise finely ground material that closely resembles biocompatible and glass resins, which solidify into a durable, strong mixture. These filling materials are available in various shades that maintain the natural appearance of teeth. If you are seeking an alternative to traditional silver fillings, composite resins offer unmatched results. They are used in bonding procedures to mask imperfections, conceal gaps, and enhance the shape and color of your teeth.
During bonding, composite fillings are applied to the natural structure of teeth to seal the damaged portion while adding more strength. This restoration makes it easy to match the color of teeth without removing much of the enamel. Unlike dental amalgams that either contract or expand to temperature variations, composite fillings remain immune to these conditions. Composite fillings may need replacements from time to time to maintain a healthy mouth. These restorations are more susceptible to wear and stains and hence need proper care to protect your teeth and smile.
Silver Fillings (Amalgam)
For many years, the most effective method to combat tooth decay is amalgam fillings. Dental restorations that use silver fillings are long-lasting and less prone to deteriorate or break. Though they don’t provide the same cosmetic appeal as other restorative methods, amalgam represents a standard option to reverse dental defects.
Glass Ionomers
This is a variety of white-filling materials that bond to the surface of your teeth. Glass ionomers create a tight seal between the tooth structure and the surrounding oral tissues. Restorations performed using these self-adhesive restorative materials safeguard teeth against further decay. Glass ionomer cement releases fluoride that strengthens your tooth. Unlike other filling materials, they don’t possess excellent resistance to wear and they can easily get damaged. Glass ionomers are suitable to apply to baby teeth, cavities near the gum line, and temporary fillings.
Ceramic Fillings
Top-grade ceramics and porcelain are the foundation of creating exceptional ceramic fillings, inlays, and onlays. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing, wear and stain-resistant, and long-lasting. “Indirect” fillings, like onlays or inlays, are created outside of the patient’s mouth, prior to insertion, bonding, or cementation. “Direct” fillings comprise options like composite and amalgam, which involve preparing the tooth and immediately applying the filling material for final restoration.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings offer unmatched physical and chemical qualities. This type of filling material offers enhanced stability, remains gentle on oral tissues, and is more durable than other alternatives. Though a great option for dental restorations, gold fillings are quite expensive and rare choices nowadays.
How are cavities treated?
After conducting a smile assessment, we’ll provide the details of our evaluation of your oral health. Once we identify the presence of decay or cavity-causing germs, our dentist will do everything possible to reverse the damage. We may recommend fillings or other restorations to alleviate pain or discomfort caused by cavities.
Green Valley Smile Care understands the discomfort you experience due to bacterial invasion in your mouth. We prioritize your comfort while treating cavities with dental fillings. Throughout your visit to our office, we strive to understand your concerns regarding the filling procedures. From discussing the materials to your personalized treatment, we keep you well-informed at every step.
When it comes to cavity treatment, we first carefully remove the damaged and decayed tooth structure. To preserve the remaining portion of the tooth, our dentist then applies the appropriate filling material. We understand that every smile is unique, and every patient undergoes proper oral health assessment, which may take one hour.
Dental visits are carried out under local anesthesia. You don’t feel any pain or discomfort as your tooth becomes completely numb during the procedures. Technologies like dental laser, air abrasion, and dental drills make it easy to remove tooth decay. Once the cavity excavation process is over, fillings are placed to ensure the rest tooth structure remains intact. The dental filling technique is determined by the type of materials used. Glass ionomer cement, amalgam, and composite are placed immediately. In case of severe cavities, placing temporary fillings and tiny palliative dressings may be necessary. Regardless of the filling type, our office provides every support to adjust the bite, check the fit, and polish it for final touchup to maintain proper functionality and comfort.
When you trust Green Valley Smile Care for dental work, rest assured that our team is mindful of your needs. We go above and beyond to ensure stress-free and comfortable visits for our patients. With gentle dentistry, our dentist makes dental care accessible to anxious patients. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia; we’re still open to discussing dental sedation options for your treatments.
What Can You Expect After New Filling?
Our main objective is to help you and your loved ones achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We strive to keep you informed throughout your filling procedure.
Once you get dental fillings placed, here are a few key considerations to protect your restoration:
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Until the anesthesia wears off
You may experience numbness right after undergoing the dental procedure. Expect to return to your normal senses within an hour or two. Until the anesthetic subsides completely, refrain from unintentionally injuring or biting your tongue, cheeks, lips, or gums. Avoid drinking hot beverages, chewing tough foods, or smoking during this period. -
Your tooth may feel slightly different after it is rebuilt and restored
Our dentist takes great care to ensure your new filling is perfectly polished and the bite is correct. On rare occasions, patients may feel the need for additional bite adjustment or smoothing the restorations. -
You may experience short-term sensitivity
It is normal for your tooth to be a little sensitive after a filling. This can give you a twinge when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. Expect this sensitivity to go away on its own within the next few days. Contact our office if your sensitivity continues to worsen and you start to experience persistent pain or other severe symptoms. -
Caring for your new restoration
We only use high-quality, advanced filling materials in our office for a strong, durable restoration. With regular dental checkups and optimal oral hygiene, your new fillings can last for many years. Filling materials may need replacements from time to time if your teeth get damaged somehow or develop extensive decay. You can rely on our dentist for future dental work.
We help you maintain a healthy smile with dental fillings that safeguard teeth against various threats. To determine your candidacy contact our dental office for filling or discuss any additional concerns.