Dental Fillings in Wayne, NJ

Cavities are the most common chronic condition affecting American children. Recent survey data demonstrates this: over 50% of children ages 6-8 and 12-19 had at least one cavity. But there’s good news: with early detection of cavities, we can help you and your loved ones maintain optimal dental health and prevent more invasive and costly dental treatments down the line. When we catch cavities early, we can treat them with dental fillings before significant decay sets in.

With tooth-colored fillings at Fine Dental Care, we can restore your tooth and keep it looking beautiful!

Understanding Cavities and Their Consequences

A cavity marks the beginning of tooth decay, a process that will progressively worsen unless we intervene. Untreated cavities can lead to extensive decay, which requires more complex restorative procedures such as dental crowns, root canals, bridges, or dental implants. Therefore, promptly addressing cavities with dental fillings can improve your oral health, prevent discomfort from more complicated treatment, and keep more money in your wallet.

What Are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a common procedure used to repair minor tooth decay or damage, such as cavities. When we remove decay, the cavity left in the tooth must be filled to protect it and restore its original shape and function. The most frequently used materials for fillings include silver amalgam and tooth-colored composite resin. Silver amalgam, made from a mixture of metals including silver, mercury, tin, and copper, has been traditionally valued for its durability and strength.

However, due to aesthetic and health concerns over mercury use, composite resin fillings have become more popular in today’s dental offices. These tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with the natural tooth. They are preferred for their appearance and ability to bond directly to the tooth structure, thereby strengthening it.

The Advantages of Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings

While metal fillings were once the standard, modern dentistry now leans towards tooth-colored composite fillings for several reasons. These composites offer a much more natural look, as we can closely match the material to the surrounding tooth color, making them virtually invisible compared to the old, dark amalgam fillings.

Consider the following benefits of composite resin fillings:

Improve Aesthetics and Function

Tooth-colored fillings are not only about aesthetics; they also provide a functional advantage. Composite materials offer excellent support to the tooth’s structure, which can be weakened by decay. By applying the composite material in layers and bonding it directly to your tooth, we enhance its structural integrity. This process fortifies the tooth against potential damage and extends its lifespan.

Preserve the Tooth Structure

Tooth-colored composite fillings are minimally invasive, requiring us to remove less of the healthy tooth for their application. This approach helps retain your tooth’s natural integrity and durability over time.

Adapt to Temperature Shifts

Engineered to adapt to the thermal dynamics of your oral environment, tooth-colored fillings expand and contract at a rate close to that of natural teeth. This compatibility helps prevent the formation of cracks or breaks due to thermal stress.

Ensure Health and Safety

Moreover, a significant shift away from amalgam fillings stems from health concerns associated with their mercury content. While amalgam is considered safe for most of the general population, certain groups, such as pregnant women and children, are at risk for potential negative reactions. Composite fillings, made from a blend of plastic resins and silica, are mercury-free, offering a safer and environmentally friendlier alternative.

The Dental Filling Process

The composite filling procedure is straightforward and typically completed in one dental visit, offering a blend of efficiency and effectiveness in treating cavities or minor tooth damage. Here is a step-by-step overview of what you can expect:

1. Preparation and anesthesia: First, we’ll numb the area around the affected tooth using local anesthesia. This step is essential for a pain-free experience, especially if there’s extensive decay or the tooth is particularly sensitive.
2. Decay removal: We will then carefully remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth using special dental tools.
3. Tooth cleansing: Once the decay is removed, the remaining tooth structure is thoroughly cleansed to eliminate bacteria and debris. This ensures that the filling bonds properly and that the area is free of any potential contaminants that could compromise the filling’s integrity.
4. Filling application: We’ll pick a composite shade that matches your natural teeth and then apply the material in layers to the cleaned cavity. Each layer is cured (hardened) using UV light, which causes the resin to solidify almost instantly. This layering technique enhances the filling’s strength and longevity.
5. Shaping and polishing: After the filling material has been fully applied and cured, we will shape and polish the filling to match the tooth’s natural contours. This step restores the tooth’s original appearance and function, making the filling virtually indistinguishable from the natural tooth enamel.
6. Bite check and adjustments: Finally, we will check your bite to ensure the filling does not affect your natural biting and chewing motion. We’ll adjust as needed to ensure a perfect fit and comfortable bite.

Restore Your Teeth With Dental Fillings

Choosing tooth-colored fillings offers a dual benefit. They enhance the aesthetic of your smile and preserve the natural strength of your teeth. These fillings are designed to be less sensitive to temperature changes and are more effective at preventing cracks and fractures. By blending seamlessly with your natural teeth, they restore functionality while keeping your smile looking its best.

At Fine Dental Care, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care that treats oral health problems and prevents more complex issues from developing. With tooth-colored fillings, we can restore your decayed tooth while maintaining the beauty of your smile. To experience this modern approach, contact us today to schedule your visit!