Las Vegas Dentist Serving Summerlin, Spring Valley And Nearby Nevada Locations
One of the many advances in dentistry these days is all the options for filling cavities. In the "old" days, metal, or amalgam, fillings were the only choice for restoring a cavity-ridden tooth. At Nevada Dental Esthetics conveniently located in Las Vegas, we offer white (metal-free) fillings made from either resin composite or porcelain. Call Dr. Jorge Paez today at 702.737.3553 if you're interested in learning more, or if you wish to schedule your personalized consultation for Tooth Colored Fillings!
Advantages Of Tooth Colored Fillings
- Metal-free white fillings match the color of your natural teeth and are hardly noticeable
- White fillings do not contain mercury, which can be hazardous to your health
- White fillings actually strengthen the tooth by bonding to it
- White fillings do not expand and contract with heat and cold like metal fillings so that means less threat to the tooth’s integrity
- White fillings harden very quickly and that means less time in the dentist’s office
Tooth colored fillings are an excellent alternative to the old metal fillings. They are also longer-lasting. Dr. Paez will replace metal fillings with either resin composite or porcelain fillings.
Does Getting a Filling Hurt?
You may take the best possible care of your oral health and still develop a cavity. Tooth-colored fillings are a wonderful solution and are the most common treatment performed to repair teeth damaged by decay. This treatment approach bonds the tooth-colored resin or porcelain to the damaged area, which supports repair with minimal tooth reduction. When a cavity is very small and limited to the most superficial layers of enamel, it's possible to place a tooth-colored filling without any anesthetic. If your cavity is more substantial, Dr. Paez will numb the area around the tooth with a minor injection of Lidocaine. This will keep you comfortable for the duration of your filling procedure.
What's Involved in the Treatment Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling?
The process of placing a tooth-colored filing is straightforward. Just one appointment is needed to complete it. After discussing your options (composite resin or porcelain), Dr. Paez selects a shade for your filling material that will match your natural enamel so well that the filling blends right in. Depending on the severity of your cavity, he'll administer numbing medication, which works almost immediately to blunt sensation around the tooth. This makes the next step in the process, removing the damaged tooth material, painless. After thoroughly cleaning the tooth, he applies a bonding agent. This solution has mild acidic properties that "etch" the tooth so the resin or porcelain can adhere to it. The filling material is placed into the cavity and is shaped to mimic your natural tooth. When the right shape is achieved, the filling is cured with light. Dr. Paez will carefully evaluate the filling to make sure it fits against the opposing tooth as it should. If needed, he can make adjustments. To conclude your treatment, we'll polish the tooth to bring out its natural sheen.
I've Heard that Silver Fillings Can Last Well Over 10 Years. How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Last?
Silver fillings, referred to as amalgam fillings, have been widely used for over a century. At the time that dental amalgam was developed, it was the most efficient and cost-effective option, an alternative to the gold fillings that were previously used. While silver fillings remain a low-cost type of restoration, and they can last 10 to 15 years, there are many reasons we do not use dental amalgam.
On average, a tooth-colored filling can last seven years. Some can last longer. Conversely, a tooth-colored filling may need to be replaced sooner than seven years depending on factors like bruxism (clenching and grinding) or chewing on hard objects or foods.
Even with a seemingly shorter lifespan, tooth-colored fillings are largely deemed more advantageous than silver fillings. Beyond the cosmetic appeal of a natural-looking dental filling, tooth-colored fillings are also placed differently than amalgams. Those long-lasting silver fillings require a dentist to alter more tooth structure than is needed for decay removal. This is because the silver filling isn't bonded to the tooth, it's retained structurally by shaping the inner area where the cavity was. Because tooth-colored fillings are bonded to the tooth, the dentist only needs to remove material that has been damaged by decay. With more of the structure intact, the tooth-colored filling can restore more of the tooth's natural strength.
Call Today For Tooth Colored Fillings Consultation In Las Vegas!
If you have old metal fillings that you’re concerned about or that need to be replaced anyway, please call 702.737.3553 or email our office today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also fill out the form on this page or our contact page for your appointment. Dr. Paez will evaluate your situation and let you know what the best course of action is for you. We look forward to meeting you soon!