Dental Fillings Specialist in Fresno, CA

Dental fillings are to help treat a cavity your dentist may have discovered during a dental checkup or if you are feeling pain in your mouth and go in for a review. The dentist will remove any of the decayed portions of the tooth and then begin to fill in the area of the affected tooth where the decayed material was removed.

Fillings are comparable to that of a cracked or broken tooth, or teeth that have been worn down from misuse like tooth grinding or nail biting.

Teeth can be filled with several different types of materials including gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored plastic-like composite resin. Depending on the extent of the decay, the dentist’s recommendation, the cost of the filling material, and your insurance coverage will depend on what type of filling material is best suited for you.

Tooth decay is one of the biggest threats we see our patients deal with on a day-to-day basis. Cavities are easily preventable with the correct oral care like brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings, many deal with cavities at least once in their lifetime.

A filling stops the spread and restores the tooth’s strength, although fillings do last for several years, they will not last forever and will need to be replaced eventually. Depending on the type of filling used, will depend on how long you can expect the filling to last.

●      Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are one of the most traditional filling mixtures used, as they are durable and effective which is why they have been used for so long. On average, we notice our patient’s amalgam fillings to last for around 15 years or longer before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary depending on if you grind or clench your teeth and other factors.

●     Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles, and customized to match your natural tooth enamel. They are durable even though they aren’t made of the same materials as amalgam fillings, and generally can last anywhere from 10 to 12 years before needing to be replaced.

●      Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are much more expensive than amalgam and composite fillings, but they are also more durable than the other options. Gold fillings can last anywhere from 20 years or more, depending on each individual.

There are five different types of dental fillings available; however, depending on your dentist, and what you may need will depend on the recommendation you will receive.

 1. Silver amalgam fillings

This is by far the most popular type of material used for dental fillings. It is a combination of minerals including tin, zinc, copper, and mercury as well as silver. It is common due to its longevity, durability, and affordability.

 2. Composite fillings

Composite fillings are created with resin and plastic materials. It is soft at first, then begins to harden with a bright curing light. It is also a common option due to it being able to be so easily customized to match the enamel of your natural teeth and long-lasting durable wear.

 3. Ceramic fillings

Ceramic fillings are created with a porcelain material, which is durable and looks great once installed. Ceramic fillings do however cost more than amalgam and composite fillings and are a bit more brittle which doesn’t let it last as long, making it not as popular as the other options.

4. Glass ionomer fillings

Glass ionomer is made up of glass and acrylic. This type of filling is commonly used in children while their teeth are still forming. They only last a few years due to the weaker material and do not offer a natural look.

5. Gold fillings

Gold fillings are one of the strongest and longest-lasting filling options available; however, due to the cost of this filling and the fact it is very noticeable in the patient’s mouth, it is not as common as the other options.

Depending on the type of filling you get, the fillings can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or longer. Each dental clinic will offer different lengths of warranties, provided you continue to get regular checkups done with them. Contact us today to learn more about dental fillings or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7215 N First St Suite 107 Fresno CA 93720. We serve patients from Fresno CA, Clovis CA, Burness CA, Gordon CA, Calwa CA, and Easton CA.