Dental Fillings

Dental filling is a restorative material that is used to restore the function, integrity and look of a tooth that has chipped or is decayed. Dental fillings also help in restoring the appearance of the teeth. To learn more about dental filling choices you have at our office, please call us at (408) 223-9600

California Shine Dental is a mercury-free practice; however, we understand that some of our patients may have silver or mercury fillings from previous treatments. Not only are these fillings unsightly, they can also result in weakened tooth enamel. Tooth colored restorations (onlays) and porcelain inlays result in fillings that are hardly noticeable and strengthen weakened teeth. Due to advancements in bonding, these fillings are stronger and aesthetically-pleasing.

Drawbacks of Silver Fillings

Silver fillings can have numerous disadvantages. Over time, the fillings become weak and wear down or break. This leaves the tooth exposed to cavities and a build-up of bacteria. Silver fillings consist of 50 percent mercury which can leak, corrode and cause teeth and gum staining. Today, silver fillings can be safely and effectively substituted with tooth-colored restorations.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Restorations

Patients can reap the many advantages of tooth-colored restorations, even in instances where some tooth structure has suffered. Onlays are bonded directly to the teeth with a precision fit for a natural-looking smile. Resin found in tooth-colored restorations also contains fluoride which can combat decay. The resin is not placed along the gum line, which is better for gums.

Replacing Your Silver Fillings

Replacing silver fillings with tooth-colored restorations (onlays) can result in an attractive smile. This procedure is generally performed in two appointments.

First Appointment:

• Excess decay and the old filling are removed
• An impression (model) is made of your teeth and sent to the lab
• A temporary onlay is fixed on the tooth
• The lab creates a resin to place in the impression

Second Appointment:

• The temporary onlay is taken off
• The conditioning gel is applied to the tooth
• High-intensity lighting bonds resin to the tooth with bonding cement
• The tooth is polished
• Your teeth are stronger, well-protected and look natural!