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Dental Fillings Buford, GA

Dental Fillings An Overview

At Lanier Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our focus is on achieving natural-looking, long-lasting results. For dental fillings, we use tooth-colored materials. Depending on your specific condition, she may opt to use tooth-colored resin or porcelain. Dental fillings are a general dentistry service Lanier Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides to Buford, Georgia.

Tooth-colored dental fillings are the standard in modern dentistry. They provide long-term strength and durability with a virtually invisible appearance. Both dental resin and porcelain come in a range of tooth-colored shades for a perfect match.

Patients who have developed cavities, have damaged or decaying metal fillings, or who simply want to brighten up their smile can be offered several treatment options:

  • Composite resin dental fillings: referred to as “white fillings”. This biocompatible resin material will be matched to a patient’s tooth for a filling that can blend with a patient’s natural smile.
  • Dental inlay: for patients with fillings that are degrading because of a damaged tooth, Our dentists may suggest the use of a porcelain inlay. It will create a more durable and comfortable repair. An inlay is designed to fit the inner contours of your tooth, and fill any decayed areas.
  • Dental onlay: similar to an inlay, the dental onlay is prepared in much the same way but is designed to cover the entire biting surface of a tooth.
  • Dental crowns: Our dentists may recommend using a dental crown in cases where the structure of the tooth is significantly compromised by decay. Once the old filling is removed, the tooth is prepared for a crown. It will fit over the tooth like a cap providing strength and durability.

Dental Fillings What to Expect

Many patients have old, dark metal dental fillings that can begin to break down with age or cause them to hide their smiles. “White” fillings are made from a biocompatible composite resin that is applied directly to the tooth.

Resin dental fillings are typically used if you have minor decay or damage. Resin dental fillings are long-lasting but not permanent. They are used as part of a conservative treatment plan to protect the tooth from future damage.

Porcelain Dental Fillings

Porcelain dental fillings are categorized as either onlays or inlays. These are used if you have more significant decay or damage to the tooth. The porcelain dental fillings add additional strength to the tooth. These types of dental fillings are permanently bonded to the tooth and typically last for many years with proper care.

Replacing Metal Dental Fillings

Your dentist can replace old, broken-down amalgam (metal) fillings with white fillings to give your smile a more natural look and feel. Modern advances in cosmetic dentistry mean that you no longer need to suffer from unsightly and uncomfortable silver/mercury fillings or metal margins around the gum line.

No one will know you have a dental filling with resin or porcelain restorations. Both types of white fillings offer superior cleaning ability for easy care and maintenance.

If you have old metal fillings or suspect you need a dental filling, contact Lanier Cosmetic & Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. Our office is conveniently located in Buford, Georgia and we gladly see patients from the entire surrounding areas of Braselton, Flowery Branch, and Lawrenceville.

Dental Fillings FAQs

What are the signs of a cavity?

Some signs of a cavity are being sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks, frequent toothache, and a hole in the tooth. Cavities are tiny holes that form in the tooth. Cavities slowly eat away at the tooth and eventually can destroy the entire thing if left untreated.

Should my tooth hurt after I have a dental filling?

Many patients experience sensitivity after a dental filling. You may be sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, or even cold air. The sensitivity typically goes away a week or two after the procedure.

Does a filling weaken a tooth?

Over time, fillings will weaken and need to be replaced. They save the tooth from further decay and damage, but they are not as strong as a natural tooth. It weakens the tooth much more to leave a cavity untreated, so fillings are our best option, but once you have a filling your teeth will never be as strong as it originally was.

How long does a filling take to heal?

Fillings may be sensitive for 2-4 weeks after the procedure. After a month your filling should feel normal with no sensitivity.

What can you not do after a filling?

After a fillings patients are advised to avoid eating or chewing until the numbness in their mouth goes away. Patients should avoid hard or chewy candy for at least one week after having a filling. They should also avoid grinding their teeth together or putting excess pressure on the tooth with the new filling.