A dental filling is one of the most common treatments used to address tooth decay or minor tooth damage and restore your oral health. Sandy Springs dentist Dr. Radha Patel places metal-free, composite fillings for a natural-looking restoration that is durable and will not raise the risk of any health concerns associated with amalgam fillings.
Dr. Patel has chosen to be a mercury-free dentist office as part of her philosophy that your oral health is a part of your overall health and well-being. Composite resin and porcelain dental fillings offer a safe, durable, and lasting treatment for tooth decay and minor damage. The material is custom-matched to your natural teeth for a final result that can even enhance your smile.
Dental Fillings in Sandy Springs
Replacing old, dark fillings with a white filling can provide an instant smile makeover if the affected teeth are in the smile zone. The composite resin used in your typical white filling is a durable substance that will create a lasting seal, preventing bacteria from getting under it and causing additional decay or damage.
A white filling is placed during a single visit with the use of a local anesthetic to ensure your treatment is comfortable. If you are concerned about tooth decay or have a damaged tooth, schedule a visit with Dr. Patel in our Sandy Springs dentist office as soon as possible.
Early treatment will prevent further deterioration and even possible tooth loss. Dr. Patel welcomes new patients and offers convenient payment options, including a dental membership plan to help you budget your dental care.
Dental Fillings FAQs
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings can last many years before they need to be redone. They can last up to 15 years with proper dental care and routine visits to the dentist. Fillings do not easily get damaged, so there is no reason to replace them unless they are causing issues.
Is it bad to have a lot of fillings?
No, it is not bad at all to have a lot of fillings. You are restoring and protecting your natural teeth by getting fillings instead of letting your teeth deteriorate. A dentist will usually place three to four fillings in a single visit.
Does a filling weaken a tooth?
No. Fillings actually help restore and support tooth structure to strengthen a natural tooth. It doesn’t matter how many fillings you have. The best thing for your oral health is to save as many natural teeth as possible.
How do dentists do fillings on front teeth?
When preferring a filling on a front tooth, dentists remove the tooth decay and replace it with restorative materials, such as tooth-colored composite. They may also use plastic resin to make the filling appear more natural.
Are front teeth cavities common?
Front teeth cavities are less common than cavities in back teeth, but they happen and can be fixed. Filling a front tooth cavity is slightly more work than filling a cavity in a back tooth because the filling has to be color-matched to the patients surrounding teeth.
Inlays & Onlays
For larger teeth or those with a varied biting surface, such as back molars, Dr. Patel often recommends the use of a porcelain inlay or onlay. Also known as a “partial crown,” these restorations will strengthen your tooth and can withstand the forces produced when chewing food.
Inlays and onlays will require a couple of visits with Dr. Patel. The initial visit will involve tooth preparation and impressions. Your final restoration will be placed on the second visit. With all composite and porcelain fillings and restorations, you can expect them to provide years of wear, supported by routine dental care and good at-home oral hygiene.
Dental fillings, inlays, and onlays play an important role in the maintenance of a healthy smile. Schedule a dental exam and consultation with Dr. Patel today.