What Are Porcelain Fillings?
Porcelain or ceramic fillings are tooth colored fillings that are typically used as inlays on your teeth. This type of filling is custom made using a process called milling, and is plastic free. Porcelain fillings are made out of glass particles, and work well with patients that may suffer from allergies, or patients that are sensitive to certain materials.
Porcelain fillings are very durable and last longer compared to other types of fillings. They blend in well with natural teeth, and many can be done chairside during your appointment. Porcelain fillings retain their white color, and help to maintain and protect teeth, giving patients a beautiful smile. At Designing Beautiful Smiles we help our patients choose the best filling material. The filling material used depends on the severity of the cavity, and the location of the cavity in the mouth.
Why Would I Choose Porcelain Fillings Over Other Filling Materials?
Porcelain fillings do not require the removal of much of the tooth structure. They are typically used for larger cavities, or cavities that are on the molars where the area is used for chewing. This type of filling has a high success rate, and can last up to 15 years or more. Porcelain fillings hold their shape, and do not shrink like composite fillings. Porcelain fillings are also stronger compared to other types of fillings, and are not as susceptible to wear and tear like composite fillings are.
Porcelain fillings can be made during your visit and can eliminate multiple visits to our office. The process provides patients with high quality fillings in around one hour using “cad cam” technologies. Porcelain fillings are free of mercury, and maintain their shape and size which helps to preserve the tooth.
Other Types Of Fillings
Composite
Composite fillings are also tooth colored, but do not have the same success rate as porcelain fillings. Typically composite fillings cost less compared to porcelain fillings, but they do not last as long, and cannot withstand chewing pressure like porcelain fillings can. This type of filling is typically used for smaller cavity areas.
Amalgam
Amalgam or silver fillings are strong and durable and are a less expensive option. Typically amalgam is used for smaller cavities, or for areas of the mouth such as molars. This type of filling is not white in color, and does not blend in like porcelain or composite fillings.
Choosing the right type of filling is important, and our highly trained staff will discuss all of the options available to help patients choose the option that works best. It is extremely important to address a cavity right away. If a cavity is left untreated this can lead to severe decay, abscess, or infection.
What To Expect During My Porcelain Filling Appointment?
During your appointment we will complete an exam, and take x-rays to view the area in need of the filling. We then numb the area to keep our patients relaxed and pain free. The decayed area is then removed and cleaned to prepare the tooth for the porcelain filling.
Next, we use an intra-oral camera to take 3D pictures of your tooth, and this is used to form the model for your restoration. The filling size and shape can be customized using computer technology, and made right in our office.
Once the porcelain filling is complete we polish the tooth, and ensure that the filling feels comfortable. As soon as the numbing wears off, patients can return to normal activity right away after their appointment.
f you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of porcelain fillings, contact Designing Beautiful Smiles to schedule your consultation. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!