• General Dentistry
• Crowns and Bridges
• ComfiDents® Dentures
• Periodontics
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Emergency Dental Care

Fillings

Dental fillings are most commonly used to treat cavities.They are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth or teeth that have been worn down over time. Most people will need at least one filling in their lifetime and find that the experience is virtually pain free.

Two kinds of fillings – traditional amalgam and composite.

Amalgam fillings have been around for centuries and consist of mercury, silver, tin, copper and other metallic elements. Amalgam is durable, easy to use and very resistant to wear and tear over time. Some concern has been raised recently about the safety of mercury in amalgam fillings, however both the FDA and ADA ensure that the amount of mercury in the filling is safe and not harmful to patients.

Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium and have a tooth-colored appearance. These fillings have good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations. Composite fillings are most often used for smaller repairs and can be bonded right onto a tooth.

Talk with your Aspen Dental dentist about which kind of filling is right for you.

Caring for your tooth with a filling:

To maintain your fillings, you should practice good oral hygiene. Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings, brush and floss daily and try to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Right after you get your filling, your tooth might feel more sensitive than usual. This is normal and usually the sensitivity disappears on its own within a week or two.