General Dentistry:
Dental Fillings
When decay has destroyed about 50 percent of the chewing or biting surface of the tooth we usually place a "filling." For many years, mercury/silver amalgam filling materials have been the standard filling material for back teeth. However, we no longer use mercury/silver amalgam materials for a variety of reasons. Tooth colored composite filling materials are as good as or better than amalgam by all measures. Tooth colored fillings look better, are bonded to the tooth structure so they provide a measure of support and strength for the restored tooth and last about as long. Tooth colored fillings are often smaller and more conservative than silver fillings. This help preserve good tooth structure. The downsides to tooth colored fillings are greater skill level and slightly longer time needed for placement and a higher cost due to materials and time factors. You can expect tooth colored filling to cost 25-50% more than a comparable mercury/silver filling.
Dental Crowns
Also known as a "cap", a crown is used to restore badly broken down teeth, or teeth with very large fillings that would be prone to fracture. The crown acts like a "thimble" to prevent the fracture of the tooth. Crowns may be gold, porcelain or when strength and appearance are required porcelain fused to metal.
Inlays
If patients wish a longer lasting restoration, or if the size of the filling is greater than 40-50% of the biting surface of the tooth, then an inlay may be chosen. Inlays are fillings that are processed in a dental lab. They are usually gold or porcelain. The life expectancy of inlays far exceeds that of fillings, especially with gold inlays. By definition, an inlay lies inside the cusp tips of the tooth.
Onlays
If an inlay covers one or more cusps of a tooth, it is considered an onlay. Onlays have the same advantages as inlays, but are used when tooth damage is more extensive.
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.
