Dental Fillings in Glendale, AZ
Dental fillings are used to remove areas of decay, stop cavities from progressing, and restore the strength, function, and appearance of affected teeth. Dr. Fineberg uses modern dental materials, including natural-looking tooth-colored fillings, to create restorations that blend with your smile. Local anesthetic is available to keep you comfortable during treatment. Additional comfort options, including light sedation when appropriate, may also be discussed based on your health history, level of dental anxiety, and individual treatment needs.
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling replaces tooth structure that has been lost because of a cavity, minor fracture, wear, or erosion. After the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed, the remaining space is filled and carefully shaped to rebuild the tooth.
Several materials may be used for dental fillings, including tooth-colored composite resin, silver-colored dental amalgam, and glass ionomer cement. The most appropriate material depends on the size and location of the damaged area, the amount of pressure the tooth receives, cosmetic preferences, and other individual factors.
During treatment, Dr. Fineberg prepares the affected area, places the selected material, and shapes the restoration to recreate the tooth’s natural contours. The bite is then checked and adjusted so the restored tooth feels comfortable and functions properly.
Glass ionomer is a tooth-colored dental cement that chemically bonds to tooth structure and can release fluoride over time. It may be useful in certain areas with lower biting pressure, near the gumline, or when additional cavity protection is beneficial. Dr. Fineberg will explain the available materials and recommend the option that best fits the tooth and your dental needs.
Types of Fillings
Types of Dental Fillings
Different restorative materials offer different advantages in appearance, durability, cost, and placement. Dr. Fineberg will consider the location and size of the cavity, the amount of biting pressure the tooth receives, your health history, cosmetic preferences, and other factors before recommending a material.
Dental Amalgam
Dental amalgam is a silver-colored material made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. It has been used for many years because of its durability and ability to withstand chewing pressure, particularly in back teeth.
Dental amalgam is not the right choice for every patient. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends avoiding new amalgam fillings when possible and appropriate for certain higher-risk groups. Tell Dr. Fineberg about your complete health history so she can discuss the safest and most appropriate filling options for you.
If an existing amalgam filling is in good condition and there is no decay beneath it, removal may not be recommended unless there is a clinical reason to replace it.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that can be customized to closely match the surrounding enamel. It bonds directly to the tooth and is hardened in layers using a special curing light.
Composite resin may be used to repair cavities, small chips, minor cracks, gaps, discoloration, or irregular tooth shape. Its natural appearance makes it a popular option for visible teeth, although it can also be used in many areas toward the back of the mouth.
Gold
Gold restorations are most commonly created as custom inlays or onlays rather than traditional fillings placed directly into the tooth. Because they are fabricated to fit the prepared tooth precisely, they usually require impressions or digital scans and may require more than one appointment.
Gold is durable, well tolerated by gum tissue, and capable of lasting for many years with proper care. However, it is highly visible and generally costs more than direct filling materials.
Gold foil is another restorative technique in which thin layers of gold are placed directly into a small prepared area. This option is now uncommon and is suitable only for carefully selected cases.
Porcelain
Porcelain or ceramic restorations are usually created as custom inlays or onlays. They can be matched to the natural color of the tooth and are resistant to staining, making them an attractive option for repairing certain damaged or decayed teeth.
Ceramic restorations are created outside the mouth and then bonded securely to the prepared tooth. They may require more than one appointment, depending on the technology used. Although porcelain is durable, whether it is appropriate depends on the location of the tooth, the size of the damaged area, and the patient’s bite.
Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer is a tooth-colored dental cement that chemically bonds to the tooth and releases fluoride over time. It is commonly used in areas that receive less biting pressure, near the gumline, for certain small restorations, or when additional cavity protection may be helpful.
Because it is generally not as wear-resistant as composite resin or amalgam in high-pressure areas, glass ionomer is selected based on the location and needs of the tooth.
What to Expect After Getting a Dental Filling
After receiving a dental filling in our Glendale office, your mouth may remain numb for several hours. Avoid chewing until normal sensation returns so you do not accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. Be careful with very hot foods and beverages while numb because you may not be able to judge their temperature accurately.
The gum tissue surrounding the restored tooth may feel mildly tender for a few days, especially when the filling extends close to the gumline. Temporary sensitivity to cold, heat, sweets, or pressure is also common and should gradually improve.
Contact Jennifer Fineberg DDS if the filling feels too high when you bite, your discomfort becomes worse, or sensitivity continues longer than expected. A minor adjustment may be needed to help the restored tooth feel comfortable and function properly.