Restore your smile with invisible dental fillings in Redding and Red Bluff!
Tooth decay can affect how your teeth look, function, and feel. Even a small cavity can cause serious tooth sensitivity, and untreated decay can lead to infections and tooth loss. At Moore, Pascarella & Heinzen, we understand how stressful cavities can be. We’re proud to offer beautiful and effective mercury-free fillings in Redding and Red Bluff to ensure your smile stays as healthy as possible!
What are the different types of fillings?
For many years, an amalgam filling was the best way to treat a cavity. Amalgam fillings, also called silver fillings, use a mixture of metals to rebuild lost enamel and seal the affected tooth. However, these fillings don’t blend into the tooth and have a few functional drawbacks.
Modern composite resin fillings are a durable tooth-colored alternative that blends seamlessly into your natural smile. These materials are highly biocompatible, meaning they match the properties of your natural enamel more closely and don’t have some of the problems of older materials like amalgam.
We use composite resin dental fillings to repair teeth that are damaged by decay, cracks, chips, or to fill in unwanted spaces between teeth. Composite fillings are very durable and resistant to cracking or breaking. However, not all decay or cavities can be treated with simple fillings; your dentist may recommend alternate treatments like crowns or root canals for more serious dental issues. We are always happy to talk through possible treatments and options so you know exactly what to expect.
What to expect with composite fillings
Composite fillings are completed in one visit. The first step is to numb the tooth and clean out any tooth decay. We will remove as little of the tooth structure as possible to minimize the size of the filling, while completely removing the decay. We’ll clean the area thoroughly to remove potential contaminants, then rebuild the missing tooth structure with composite resin, hardening it layer by layer with a special UV light.
We’ll try to recreate your natural tooth anatomy as accurately as possible, and finish the process by smoothing and polishing the resin to remove any sharp edges or rough surfaces. When the decay extends near the root, or nerve of the tooth, we may place medication under the composite filling to reduce the risk of infection.
For the first few days after a filling, your tooth may be sensitive to heat and cold. This typically subsides once you get used to the new filling. It’s also important to keep up good brushing and flossing habits after having a dental filling to prevent new cavities from forming. If you experience lingering sensitivity or excessive pressure in your bite, let us know! We may be able to help by adjusting the shape of your filling.
How do you know if you need a cavity filling?
Although experiencing a toothache may be an indication that you have a cavity, it’s important to remember that cavities don’t always cause pain. Feeling tooth sensitivity may also be a sign that you need a filling, as well as seeing a dark spot on your tooth. While regular brushing and flossing can help prevent the onset of the decay that causes cavities, the only way to know for sure whether or not you need any fillings is through regular visits to the dentist with x-ray evaluation of the teeth.
Through the use of x-rays and professional medical instruments, our team will get a clear picture of the overall health and integrity of your teeth and restore your smile to full health with fillings in Redding and Red Bluff. It’s important to remember that treating tooth decay as early as possible will prevent the cavity from getting bigger, helping you avoid pain and keeping your treatment as affordable as possible.
Pros and cons of different types of dental fillings
All fillings serve to seal and protect the teeth from further decay and infection, but there are different types of filling materials to choose from:
- A silver amalgam filling is relatively inexpensive and they are resistant to wear. A silver filling can last for decades with proper dental hygiene, but this type of filling is more noticeable and can cause tooth discoloration due to the materials used. The material also expands and contracts with temperature changes more than natural enamel, which increases risks for cracked teeth in the future.
- A composite filling is a popular choice because they can be customized to match the natural color of your teeth. Although composite fillings are less noticeable than other filling types, they can be more prone to staining and may not last as long as other types of fillings. However, they don’t require removing as much tooth structure, making them a conservative option.
- A porcelain filling, also called inlays or onlays, are also types of fillings that can be blended into your natural tooth color. Porcelain fillings are durable but the level of services necessary to customize these fillings can make them more expensive.
- A gold filling is the most expensive type of filling but are also on the higher end of durability, lasting for decades with good dental hygiene. Gold fillings frequently require multiple dental visits.
If you think you need dental fillings in Redding or Red Bluff, we can help!
No one wants to deal with cavities. While you can decrease your risks for tooth decay with great home care, regular dental cleanings, and tooth-strengthening products, cavities sometimes happen no matter what you do.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or think you may have a cavity, we’re here for you. Our conservative approach will minimize the damage so you can get back to living life to the fullest with a comfortable, functional, and beautiful smile. During your visit with our team, we’ll discuss all of your treatment options with you and help you decide which option is best for your smile. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!
