Dental FillingsAn Overview
Chances are you will experience a dental filling at some point in your life. Dental fillings are an important part of maintaining and restoring your natural tooth for the long run. They can be used to address tooth decay, cavities and minor tooth damage. Fillings are fairly routine and, with the latest in dental technology, are not as painful. If you have decay or a damaged tooth, it is important to have it treated with a filling as soon as possible. If ignored, the compromised tooth may get worse and need a root canal or even extracted.
At West Ashley Family Dentistry, we place high quality composite resin and porcelain dental fillings in our Charleston dentist office to restore the health and integrity of your tooth with natural looking results. We can also replace old, dark fillings with new white fillings for a smile makeover that will improve long term oral health.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite fillings are made of a resin and plastic material and are the most popular choice for dental fillings. This is because they can be color matched to blend in with your natural teeth and are not as obvious as a metal filling. The downside is they do not last as long. They will need to be replaced in about five years although they can last longer if cared for properly.
Porcelain Fillings
Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain, a durable and aesthetically appealing material. Even though they are more expensive than most other filling options, they are also tooth colored and very stain resistant. These are typically referred to as inlays or onlays and used when the damage or decay is more significant.
