A dental filling is used to repair teeth that are decayed, worn or damaged. Dental fillings restore strength and beauty to the tooth and help protect the tooth from future damage.
Clearwater dentist Dr. Radosavljevic can select from many different materials for your tooth filling, depending on your needs and goals. She also offers cosmetic “white” fillings to replace old, dark fillings that are deteriorating or located in the smile zone.
The exact procedure for your tooth filling may vary based on the size, location and type of tooth filling. Some small fillings can be complete with minimal preparation to the tooth and do not require anesthetic.
First, Dr. Radosavljevic will prepare the tooth by removing any existing fillings and creating a stable foundation for the new filling. Resin fillings can be complete in one visit. Dr. Radosavljevic will place the composite resin on the tooth and cure it with a special light.
Porcelain and gold tooth fillings are made in a dental laboratory and cemented into place in our Clearwater dentist office. This type of filling typically takes two to three appointments. The dentist may place a temporary filling on the tooth to offer protection in between visits.
Resin Dental Fillings (Tooth Bonding)
Resin tooth fillings are ideal for patients who have minimal decay or minor cosmetic problems. The dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin directly to the tooth and sculpt it into form for an invisible restoration. In most cases, tooth bonding procedures are complete in a single visit. Resin dental fillings can be very long lasting when properly cared for, but do not last as long as a porcelain filling.
Porcelain Dental Fillings
For more significant damage or decay, our dentists may recommend a porcelain dental fillings, also known as an inlay, onlay or partial crown. The dentist will take an impression of the tooth and create a model for the laboratory where the porcelain inlay/onlay will be fabricated. Porcelain fillings can be extremely long lasting when properly cared for.
Gold Dental Fillings
Gold tooth fillings are extremely durable and long lasting and may offer the best restoration for teeth in the back of the mouth. Like porcelain fillings, gold restorations are fabricated in a dental laboratory.
What is the best type of filling?
There is no-one-size-fits-all solution in dentistry. Clearwater dentist Dr. Radosavljevic will evaluate your condition and recommend the best choice for your personal situation. Generally speaking, for teeth in the smile zone, a tooth colored filling is best for the most natural appearance. Teeth in the back of the mouth often benefit from a more durable material like gold.
Do you fix broken fillings?
If you have a lost or broken filling, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We make all attempts to see patients for dental emergencies on the same day. Dr. Radosavljevic will provide prompt attention to repair the damaged tooth and restore the dental filling. Please do not attempt to reglue the filling to your tooth as you could cause further damage.
Can you replace my metal fillings with white fillings?
Dr. Radosavljevic is an experienced cosmetic dentist in Clearwater. She is able to replace worn or unsightly metal fillings with more comfortable and natural looking alternatives.