Davenport Dental Fillings
Preventing/treating cavities is the main thrust of dental care. When decay is threatening the health of your teeth, dental fillings can save your smile from disaster.
What is a filling?
A filling is a material means of restoring the form and function of a tooth that’s been damaged by decay. When Dr. Jolene Dague at Dague Dental Solutions is preparing a tooth for a filling, she begins by removing the decayed tooth material from the cavity, cleans the area thoroughly and then fills the space with the filling material the patient has chosen. This stops the cavity from advancing and restores the structural integrity of the tooth. Placing the filling also seals the spaces where other bacteria might enter the tooth, which helps to prevent future decay.
Materials commonly used for fillings include amalgam (a metal alloy), composite resin and porcelain. All three substances work well, but there are differences between them.
Are amalgam fillings right for me?
Amalgam fillings (or “silver fillings” as they’re often called) are the most durable variety. They can last almost twice as long as composite resin or porcelain fillings. They are also moisture tolerant, which makes them the better option in some areas of the mouth. From a cost standpoint, amalgam fillings are typically less than the other two materials. It’s easy to see why they have been the global dental standard for over a century and a half.
Let’s discuss tooth-colored fillings
If amalgam fillings are prone to last longer and cost less, why would anyone opt for porcelain or composite resin fillings? The most common reason can be summed up in a word: “looks.” Porcelain and composite resin are considered “tooth-colored” materials because that’s how they appear. Or more to the point, how they don’t appear. Both substances can be matched to any tooth shade so fillings made from them are practically invisible. Silver fillings, on the other hand, are fairly easily spotted. People with multiple amalgam fillings may be embarrassed by the appearance of their teeth. This isn’t an issue with porcelain or composite resin.
What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?
- The appearance of your smile is better.
- They don’t expand and contract with the temperature.
- There is less tooth sensitivity to hot and cold items.
- They are ideal for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to any of the metals in amalgam.
How are fillings placed?
Prior to installing the filling, Dr. Dague carefully and gently removes all of the decay from your tooth. Next, a bonding material is placed inside the bacteria-free hole in your tooth. The filling material is placed in thin layers into the hole. The curing light is applied to harden the filling, which only takes seconds to complete. Once the final layer has hardened, Dr. Dague grinds and shapes the filling so that it feels and looks completely natural.
Contact us about fillings
If you need to be checked for cavities, or know you have some that need fillings, call Dague Dental Solutions today at (563) 386-9770 or use the contact form on our website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dague, one of the top dentists in the Quad Cities. She will assess your needs and recommend the best filling material for your situation.
Highly Rated Family Dentist in Davenport, Iowa
Dague Dental Solutions is located on , 5335 Eastern Ave, Suite A, Davenport, Iowa. From Quad City International Airport Take 27th St and US-6 W/Hiawatha Pioneer Trl to I-74, Head north on Airportring Rd toward Airport Entrance. turn right onto Airport Entrance, turn right onto 69th Ave/Airport Rd, turn right onto 27th St, turn left onto US-6 W/Hiawatha Pioneer Trl. Follow I-74 to E 53rd St in Davenport. Take exit 1 from I-74, Continue onto I-74 and enter Iowa. Take exit 1 toward E 53rd St, follow E 53rd St to your destination, turn left onto E 53rd St, use any lane to turn right, Turn left, right, then right, and Dague Dental Solutions will be on the left. We’re open Monday-Wednesday 8:30am-5pm, Thursday 8am-4pm • For additional questions, you can call us at (563) 386-9770. Find us on Yelp, Facebook and Instagram.