Dentist in Hollywood

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DENTAL FILLINGS

Are your teeth sensitive to sweet or cold?  You have a cavity.  At Perfect Hollywood Smile, our dentists can restore decay-damaged teeth to their normal everyday function with dental fillings.  Not only is this a cosmetic, restorative process, it helps to prevent any future decay of the tooth.  Our dentists take a number of factors into consideration when determining which type of dental material will be right for you.  These factors include where the filling is placed, the extent of repair, and the cost of the procedure.

Whenever you visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning only to find out that you’ve developed another cavity, there’s no need to panic or be discouraged.  Especially if you adhere to a daily regimen of brushing and flossing after meals.  According to the ADA (American Dental Association), people are taking better care of their teeth despite the fact that cavities still happen.  Fortunately, dentists have a number of different materials that can be used for dental fillings.

Differing Types of Fillings

Keep in mind that cavities are not alike, and neither is the extent of the damage that they cause.  Consequently, fillings are alike either.  For instance, fillings that are placed directly into cavities are referred to as “direct” fillings while others are known as “indirect” fillings.  With the latter type, an impression is taken of the affected tooth and the dental lab creates a customized filling that will fit around it.  So when your dentist finds a cavity, they will recommend the type of dental fillings that are right for you.

Filling Materials

Fillings vary in complexity as well as the types of materials they’re made from and used in the cosmetic, restorative process.  These materials include:

  • Amalgam – As the name implies, these fillings are made from an amalgamation of different metals and typically contain up to 50% mercury along with a mixture of copper, silver, tin, and zinc. Not only are amalgam dental fillings durable and long-lasting, they are the least expensive option available.
  • Ceramic or porcelain – Another form of indirect filling, ceramic or porcelain fillings are like those made from gold (see below). However, they are considerably more fragile but look more like your natural teeth.  As a result, this enables you to maintain a natural looking appearance.
  • Composite – Being made from acrylic resin and powdered glass, composite fillings offer more advantages than amalgam fillings. They can match the filling to the color of your existing teeth which makes them nearly invisible.  As a result, they’ve grown in popularity over the past couple of decades.
  • Glass or resin ionomer – These fillings are oftentimes used on baby or primary teeth and for filling in smaller decayed areas. This is due to their ability to endure a greater amount of wear and tear.  They are used in permanent teeth, but only in those areas that don’t see a lot of chewing action or pressure.
  • Gold – This is one of the most expensive options for dental fillings, but it is also one of the most durable and can be effective for over 20 years, hence the higher price tag. They are typically used as indirect fillings meaning that you will spend more time in the dentist’s office to receive these types of fillings.

If you suspect that you have developed a cavity, it’s in your best interest to call Perfect Hollywood Smile today and schedule an appointment.  We can discuss the options that are available to you.