Fillings
A filling is a way to restore a decayed and/or broken tooth back to its normal shape and function.
If you have a tooth that requires a filling, we will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This filling will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.
Composite resin fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings may be utilized as a filling material depending on the patient's specific needs and situations. Composite resin fillings may be a more ideal choice for esthetic situations. Despite concerns raised regarding amalgam fillings, the American Dental Association has stated "Dental amalgam is considered a safe, affordable and durable material that has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans. It contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper and tin, in addition to mercury, which binds these components into a hard, stable and safe substance. Dental amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively, and has established a record of safety and effectiveness".
Furthermore, on July 28, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its final rule on encapsulated dental amalgam classifying amalgam and its component parts, elemental mercury and powder alloy, as a class II medical device. Previously there was no classification for encapsulated amalgam, and dental mercury (class I) and alloy (class II) were classified separately. This new regulation places encapsulated amalgam in the same class of devices as most other restorative materials, including composite and gold fillings. At the same time, the FDA also reaffirmed the agency's position that the material is a safe and effective restorative option for patients.
Bonding
Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly-chipped, discolored or crooked teeth, often for cosmetic purposes.
The bonding process involves placing a white filling on your tooth to improve its appearance. The tooth-colored filling "bonds" with your teeth and closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.
Bonding is usually less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and often can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and breaks more easily than other cosmetic treatments.
If your bonding does break or chip, please let us know. We can generally patch or repair bonding in one visit.
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