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Tooth Filling Clifton NJ

A dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used artificially to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma. Dental restorations may be fabricated out of a variety of materials:

Dental composites (tooth colored)

Dental composites are also called white fillings. Crowns and in-lays can also be made in the laboratory from dental composites. These materials are similar to those used in direct fillings and are tooth colored. Their strength and durability is not as high as porcelain or metal restorations and they are more prone to wear and discoloration.

Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth-colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable), but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Dental Amalgam

Dental Amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of silver, tin, copper, zinc and mercury. Amalgam has many advantages over other restorative material, such as low cost, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects.

Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains soft for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound. Amalgam possesses greater longevity than other direct restorative materials, such as composite. On average, most amalgam restorations serve for 10 to 20 years, whereas resin-based composites serve for about half that time. However, with recent improvements in composite material science and a better understanding of the technique-sensitivity of placement, it should be noted that this difference is decreasing.

There are circumstances in which composite (white fillings) serves better than amalgam; when amalgam is not indicated, or when a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, composite is the recommended restorative material. These situations would include small occlusal restorations, in which amalgam would require the removal of a more sound tooth structure, as well as in "enamel sites beyond the height of contour."

The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays and direct resin materials are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

Since certain resin cements used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result is a beautiful smile!

Advantages of Silver Fillings

The main advantage to silver fillings are that they tend to last longer than tooth colored fillings. The alloy material forms a seal around the tooth structure creating a tight junction between the restoration and the tooth. However there is only "so" much silver filling material you can place in a tooth before you undermine the integrity of the whole tooth itself. If too much of the tooth structure is missing once the decay is removed, then a more permanent restoration may need to be made at our dental laboratory.

Disadvantages Of Silver Fillings

Silver fillings have some drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down over time, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and creates an environment where cavities get started once again.. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can possibly split. That’s why, a routine maintenance checkup reassures their strength and stability.

Silver fillings contain an alloy of several metals including silver, tin, copper, zinc and mercury. They can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums. However there are an approved filling material certified as safe by all government organizations including the American Dental Association.

Silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored restorations, as well.

Replacing Silver Fillings With A Laboratory Processed Tooth-Colored Restoration (Onlay and Inlay)

You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.

Your First Appointment

  • The old filling is removed and any additional decay.
  • An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
  • A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.

At The Lab

A composite resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look like your natural tooth.

Your Second Appointment

  • The temporary onlay is removed.
  • A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
  • Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
  • The tooth is then polished.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!