Cavities are a common dental issue resulting from consuming sugary and starchy foods, not maintaining proper oral hygiene, skipping dental cleaning sessions, etc. Dental fillings are used to fill cavities and restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth. The decayed material is removed, after which we fill your cavities with the material most suitable for your teeth.
Apart from cavities, dental fillings are also used to repair chipped, cracked, broken, or severely worn-down teeth.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings include various materials like mercury, tin, and copper and are most suitable for your molars. The material is durable and often lasts for many years.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings involve filling your cavities with a tooth-colored material such as resin and glass. The filling resembles your natural pearly whites.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
This material also resembles the natural color of your teeth. Another benefit of glass ionomer fillings is that they release fluoride to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
Gold Fillings
They are made with an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals. They are the most durable fillings and can last for 20 years or more. However, their appearance is not so natural.
We will start by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area of the procedure. Using a laser or abrasion instrument, we will remove all the decayed parts. We will probe the area to check if all the decay has been removed. After this, we will prepare the space for a dental filling. It involves cleaning the cavity of debris and bacteria.
If the decay is near your tooth roots, we will put a liner of composite resin, glass ionomer, or any other material to protect your nerves. Then, we will apply the tooth-colored material in layers, and a special light will be used to harden the material. The process of layering and hardening continues until your teeth achieve the desired structure. At last, we will trim the excess material and polish the restoration to match your remaining teeth.
Fillings offer long-lasting results. When you opt for gold or amalgam fillings, they last up to 15 years. The materials such as composite resin and glass ionomer not only restore the functionality of your teeth but also improve the appearance of your smile.
Dental fillings help bolster your teeth with a weakened structure and prevent further infection.
To find out more about the dental services offered at Gorham & Ammarell Dentistry, call (615) 327-4914 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 124 30th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203.
