Dental Fillings

Restore decayed or damaged teeth

Every year, millions of individuals undergo dental filling procedures to restore the integrity of teeth affected by decay or damage. This vital dental procedure plays a crucial role in oral health by preventing additional tooth decay, alleviating pain, and making teeth stronger and healthier.

Patient Testimonials

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a common treatment for restoring teeth that have suffered decay or damage. Fillings are installed into cavities, the hollow openings that develop due to decay, and sealed off to prevent further harm to the tooth. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is generally painless. A filling strengthens a tooth, restores its shape, and aids in its normal function such as chewing and speaking.

How to Know if You Need a Filling

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with us at Pearl Street Dental, as they can indicate the presence of a cavity.

Toothache or spontaneous tooth pain
Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks
Pain when biting down or pressure on the affected tooth
Visual identification of a cavity or a dark spot on the tooth
Floss tearing at a particular tooth or spot

Types of dental fillings

There are different types of dental filling materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of material depends on your oral health, the location of the cavity, allergic tendencies, and cost considerations. The most commonly used dental fillings are:

Composite Resin
(Tooth-Colored Fillings)

Composite fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, are a popular choice because they match the natural color of your teeth, yielding a more aesthetically pleasing result. Composite resins bond to the tooth, providing support and preventing breakage. Although composite fillings may not last as long as amalgam fillings and may require replacement or repair more frequently, many people prefer them for their natural-looking appearance.

Silver
(Amalgam Fillings)

Amalgam fillings, sometimes referred to as 'silver fillings,' consist primarily of a mixture of metals including silver and mercury. They are a longstanding choice in dentistry due to their durability and affordability. However, their silver color may be visually noticeable and less desirable for some, especially if the filling is in a more noticeable area.

Gold

Gold fillings are considered to be the most durable type of dental filling and can last for several decades. However, they must be fabricated in a dental lab before being cemented to the teeth. While they offer optimum durability, gold fillings are also the most expensive and require multiple dental visits to properly install.

Porcelain

Porcelain fillings are an effective and aesthetically pleasing form of dental fillings. They are highly durable and highly resistant to staining, more so than composite resin. However, they tend to be more brittle than composite fillings and can break under high biting forces. They also tend to be more expensive than other filling types.

Choosing the Right Type of Dental Filling

Several factors could influence the type of dental filling suitable for you. This includes the extent of the repair, whether you have allergies to certain materials, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost considerations. Your dentist can help you decide the best options for your oral health and aesthetic objectives.

At Pearl Street Dental, we use bio-compatible restorative materials that have a minimal effect on the body, and that mimic the true beauty of natural teeth. We feel it is also important to decontaminate the tooth surfaces, and lasers do this better than a drill. The clean laser-textured surface is ideal to bond the filling to the tooth. These natural tooth-colored restorations can add strength and years of predictable service and truly restore a person’s oral form and function.

Schedule an Appointment With Pearl Street Dental Today!

If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, or have lost a filling, it is essential to consult with your dentist to determine if a filling or other treatment may be necessary. At Pearl Street Dental, our top priority is to provide the Boulder community with comprehensive dental care tailored to each patient’s needs. If you’re looking for an experienced Boulder dentist, who provides care in a comfortable and stress-free environment, give us a call. We would be happy to schedule your appointment or supply you with more information about dental fillings or other dental concerns.

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