Dental Fillings in Fort Valley
Filling restorations are used to repair damaged, worn out or decayed teeth. The dental filling material helps strengthen the weakened structure and prevent further damage. As a result, dental fillings save teeth.
Dental Fillings
Traditionally fillings were made only from metal. Today, there are a variety of filling materials available such as silver amalgam, composite resin, and porcelain. Also, the application process is quick and pain-free. To book an appointment for a dental filling in Fort Valley, call Whitaker Family Dentistry today.
Tooth fillings are often used to fix cavities. Your dentist in Fort Valley will remove the decayed area and pack the gap with filling material. This dental restoration will stop the spread of decay and strengthen the tooth. Dental fillings provide resistance to future damage like chips and cracks.
Types of Dental Fillings
Once upon a time, dental fillings were solely made from metal. Typically, either silver or gold was used. These materials are very durable. However, many patients dislike the lack of aesthetic appeal. Fortunately, more discreet options are available now. Tooth-colored materials such as porcelain and composite resin are less visible. Your Fort Valley dentist can help you determine the most suitable filling material for you. It all comes down to the size of the cavity, location of the tooth, personal preference, and budget.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
The most durable filling option is a metal amalgam. Silver dental fillings can last for a decade or longer. Gold fillings can potentially last a lifetime. Metal fillings are used to restore the back teeth. These teeth are not as visible when you smile. Also, they require a strong filling material that can withstand extreme chewing forces. Amalgam is often the most cost-effective filling solution. Modern metal amalgam fillings are usually a combination of silver, mercury, and tin.
Composite Resin Fillings
Tooth-colored composite fillings are a mixture of materials that contain ceramic and silica material. Composite resin can be customized to match the natural color of tooth enamel. For that reason, composite resin fillings in Fort Valley are commonly used for front teeth.
On the positive side, less tooth preparation is needed to place composite resin filling as opposed to metals. As a result, your dentist in Fort Valley is likely to recommend tooth-colored fillings. On the negative side, composite fillings don’t last as long as metal fillings. Your composite fillings may need to be replaced every ten years or sooner.
Porcelain Dental Fillings
Also known as dental inlays, this is the most expensive type of dental filling. Porcelain fillings are more long-lasting than composite resin dental fillings. Your dentist may use inlays as a cosmetic solution to build up worn down teeth, not necessarily to treat cavities.