Dental Fillings and Dental Bondings Opelika AL
At East Alabama Dental Group, we provide Composite Fillings and Bonding in Opelika, AL. Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin and are used to fill cavities or repair cracked or chipped teeth. Bonding is a similar process where the resin is used to build up or change the shape of a tooth. Both procedures are quick and relatively painless, and can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile.
What is the purpose of a filling?
Fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or wear.
What is the difference between a filling and bonding?
Bonding usually refers to the process of using resin to build up or change the shape of a tooth, while a filling is used to fill a cavity or repair a cracked or chipped tooth.
What are the benefits of Composite Fillings and Bonding?
Composite fillings and bonding can be used to improve the appearance of your smile. Here are some of the benefits of composite fillings and bonding:
- Improved aesthetics
- Durable and long lasting
- Tooth-colored, so it blends in with your natural teeth
- Can be used to repair cracked or chipped teeth
If you are interested in Composite Fillings and Bonding in Opelika, AL, contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or schedule an appointment.
What are amalgam fillings?
Amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are also known as “silver” fillings.
What is the process of getting Composite Fillings?
Here’s what you can expect:
- Your dentist will remove the decay from your tooth.
- They will prepare the tooth for the filling by cleaning it and roughening up the surface.
- Then, they will apply the Composite Filling to your tooth.
- After the Composite Filling has been applied, your dentist will shape it and polish it.
The whole process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. If you think you might need a Composite Filling, contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or schedule an appointment.
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings can last for many years, but they may eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of a filling like this is largely dependent on the level of care it receives. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are important to maintaining your oral health.
During regular check-ups with the dentist, you will be informed if any previous fillings need to be replaced. As a general rule, they tend to last about 5-15 years or so.
Composite Fillings and Bonding Opelika, AL
If you are looking for a dentist in Opelika, AL to help you with Composite Fillings and Bonding, contact East Alabama Dental Group today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know when dental fillings are necessary?
There are a few signs that will indicate when a filling might be necessary:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold and sugary foods.
- Pain when biting or chewing on a certain tooth.
- Getting food stuck in certain spots in your mouth.
- A rough, broken, or chipped tooth.
- A dark spot on the surface of the tooth.
- General tooth pain.
- A filling that has fallen out.
- An x-ray showing decay under the surface of a tooth.
How are dental fillings done?
If a cavity is detected and treated before it gets too close to the root of the tooth, it is generally a simple and straightforward procedure. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the area surrounding it. Then the decayed or damaged tooth material is removed from your tooth. If the dentist is putting a resin filling in, your tooth will then be treated with an acid gel to prepare the tooth surface for the filling material. After this is washed away the filling will be placed into the tooth. It will be shaped to match your surrounding teeth and then cured hard with a special light. The dentist will then check your bite making sure it is not too high and smooth out the surface of the filling.
Which dental fillings are best?
Several dental filling materials are available to use. They include porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored composite resin. The location and extent of the decay and the patient’s preference play a part in determining which type of material to use. Generally speaking, most dentists tend to use a composite resin material for the typical filling. Composite resin filling material offers a great all-around solution as it is tooth-colored, long-lasting, and less expensive than some of the other materials. The dentist will be able to answer any questions you may have about each type of material and help you make the best choice for your individual situation.
What are composite tooth fillings?
Composite fillings use strong, durable resin to fill cavities and repair cracks or fractures in teeth. Unlike amalgam (silver) fillings, composite fillings offer a tighter fit than these older dental filling materials and are aesthetically pleasing because they are the color of your natural teeth. Composite, tooth-colored fillings are perfect for patients who want to fill their front or back teeth.
How to make our Dental Fillings last longer?
Many patients see their composite resin dental fillings lasting for about ten years. But if you take really great care of your fillings, they may be able to last you longer than that — and even a lifetime! In order to help your dental fillings last longer, you should always see your dentist twice a year for regular dental cleanings and exams, brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and eat a variety of healthy foods to boost your oral health.
When to Replace a Cavity Filling?
Tooth fillings usually last for many years before they need to be replaced. But tooth fillings can wear out over years of chewing. If you clench or grind your teeth, you may need to have tooth fillings replaced sooner. If you notice signs of wear on your tooth fillings, such as cracks or worn areas, see your dentist to have the filling replaced as soon as possible. Continuing to chew with a damaged filling can cause the tooth to crack and require additional repair that is more expensive and more complicated than a simple cavity filling. If additional tooth decay develops around a filling, whether or not the filling is damaged, your dentist may choose to repair the tooth with a crown instead of a second cavity filling.
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