Livermore Dentist - Fillings FAQ - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Fillings
1. What is the difference between silver and tooth-colored fillings?
There are three important factors with regard to filling materials. First, there is a striking cosmetic difference. Tooth-colored fillings are actually bonded or glued to the surrounding tooth, which minimizes stress on the tooth and often results in less risk of fracture or decay. Second, traditional silver fillings conversely can place stress or tension on a tooth - and this can substantially weaken the tooth itself. Many times, with silver fillings, a weakened tooth will fracture. Undetectable tooth decay may be present, which is not apparent until after a fracture occurs. Extensive damage to the tooth can result. This damage, in many cases, may require root canal treatment and/or full crown placement. Third, there is significant controversy with regard to the mercury content in silver fillings and the impact the presence of this substance has in the body.

2. Do tooth-colored fillings last as long as silver fillings?
Several types of tooth-colored restorations are available today. It is our opinion that silver would not be an option for filling material in our own mouths; therefore, we do not use it in our practice. The primary reason, aside from the unknown effects of silver in the body, is that when properly designed and placed, a tooth-colored restoration is a longer-term restoration than a silver filling. We plan on our fillings and restorations lasting a lifetime; however, many different variables exist that could result in damage, or the need to replace a restoration. A good, preventative dental care regimen is essential for minimizing these variables. We have an excellent record with placing restorations that routinely last for decades.

3. What types of tooth-colored restorations are there?
Each of the four different types of restoration options that we use on a daily basis are used to accomplish a different objective. We always discuss the reasoning behind the restoration options we select for our patients prior to beginning treatment. Whenever our patients have questions about their treatment, we are always happy to answer them!

1. Direct bonded composite resin fillings are used for the repair of teeth that have small and less involved damage to the tooth. The key determinant in selecting this material is that the tooth being restored does not need additional reinforcement or strengthening in order to remain intact. This procedure takes less time, and is therefore less costly, than the other options.
2. Indirect bonded ceramic restorations (3/4 crowns) are placed when damage to a tooth is at a point when additional strength is needed for support. In addition, damaged areas of the remaining tooth may need to be covered. Preparing these restorations requires the services of a dental laboratory technician. He or she creates correctly shaped and colored ceramic material, matching it to the existing, damaged tooth. When this new restoration is bonded or glued onto the tooth, that tooth is returned to a condition that closely resembles, in appearance and strength, the original, undamaged tooth.
3. Bonded ceramic full crowns are placed when extensive damage or decay has resulted in large defects and/or when loss the original tooth structure has occurred. Frequently, root canal treatment has taken place prior to our restoration. Dental laboratory services are required in order to fabricate this type of restoration.
4. Veneers are another tooth-colored restoration option. Veneers are discussed in the third FAQ section