Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to repair decayed teeth and prevent further decay. They can also be used to cover a tooth that has been damaged by chewing or trauma. There are three main types of filling materials used in dentistry today: composite resin, glass ionomers, and amalgam restorations.

What Is a Dental Filling?

The filling material used to repair teeth can be gold, silver, composite (a mixture of plastic and natural ingredients), or ceramic (porcelain).

The type of filling that you get depends on several factors:

• Amount and location of decay in your tooth
• Your budget
• Your dentist’s recommendations

During the process of a filling, our Northridge dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill it with a filling material. The filling material can be gold, silver, composite (a mixture of plastic and natural ingredients), or ceramic (porcelain). 

Why Do You Need A Dental Filling?

Dental Fillings are a common procedure. Almost every person will need one or more fillings in their lifetime. Natural bacteria in our mouths consume sugars from the foods we eat and produce acids that can erode our teeth’s enamel. 

• Fillings are an excellent solution to treat these problems because they restore the teeth’ function, integrity, and shape while preventing further decay.
• Fillings are also used to fill in cavities that develop in between teeth.
• Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can be damaged by acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.
• It’s likely to experience pain or discomfort when it’s gone.
• Protecting your teeth enamel is important as it doesn’t grow back once worn down.

Types of fillings

Gold Fillings

• Gold fillings are the most expensive type of filling
• They are the best investment. Due to their durable structure
• They can last very long if you take care of them properly.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

• Amalgam fillings are an economical and durable option.
• They are made of a combination of different metals, such as silver, copper, tin, and zinc.
• The amalgam filling is most commonly used in dental procedures.
• Over time your Amalgam, Filings can loosen and lose their color or density, which is completely normal.
• With proper care and hygiene and routine dental exams, your Amalgam fillings can last you years! It’s a good choice if you’re trying to save money on dental work because it’s the least expensive option out there.

Composite (White/Tooth Colored) Fillings

• Composite fillings are made of a mixture of plastic and glass.
• They are the most common type of filling and can be used to restore large cavities. Composite fillings are non-allergenic, non-toxic, durable, and cost-effective.
• An undetectable composite filling can be placed on top of tooth decay or an existing silver-colored filling that has become discolored over time (crown).
• This substance looks very similar to natural teeth (hence its name) but lasts between 5-10 years depending on how well you take care of your oral hygiene habits over time.

Ceramic Inlays

• Ceramic inlays, or porcelain veneers or crowns, are the most common type of dental restoration.
• They are used to repair teeth that are severely damaged and cannot be restored using a filling.
• Ceramic inlays provide an attractive alternative to bonding because they’re made from real porcelain material (the same material used to make fine china) instead of plastic resin.
• They can be shaped like a regular tooth to look natural when you smile.

How to choose which type of filling is right for you?

What your dentist decides to use as your filling is dependent on factors like the location of the cavity/damage. The dentist will also consult with you about your preference for fillings & provide your best options.

If a filling is needed in a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma, it’s essential to treat the affected area thoroughly before placing a restoration. The effectiveness of most repairs depends on how much tooth structure remains in place – this will determine how long the filling will last before needing replacement.

Why Choose Us?

Kevin H Gropp, DDS – Dentist Northridge, has been in the business for years. We’re leading the industry in dental care and are always looking to improve our services. As your local dentist, you can trust that you’re in great care and extremely safe with us.

We take pride in being honest with our patients so they know exactly what they’re getting into before they make an appointment with us. If you have any questions about our practice, we encourage you to ask us directly—there are no surprises!

Don’t be afraid to tell your dentist if something is bothering you during a dental exam; this is why we offer such great customer service! Dental exams are very important for everyone’s health as well as for maintaining good oral hygiene habits throughout life—whether it’s once every six months or once every year (depending on what type of treatment plan has been prescribed). Have you had yours yet? Give us a call today!