Dental Fillings Overview
Dental fillings play a crucial role in restorative dentistry, offering essential solutions to repair damaged teeth. As a Hillsboro dentist, I prioritize providing patients with the best possible options. While I frequently use composite fillings, I always review all available materials to ensure the most suitable choice for each patient.
Understanding Dental Fillings
Dental fillings must withstand the demanding environment of the human mouth, which presents various challenges. The mouth typically maintains a neutral pH, thanks to saliva, but can experience rapid changes depending on food and drink. Additionally, temperature swings from ice-cold to piping-hot substances present further stresses. Fillings not only need to endure these fluctuations but also withstand regular chewing forces and occasional extreme pressure from grinding or clenching.
Types of Dental Fillings
Amalgam Fillings
Advantages:
Amalgam fillings are composed primarily of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and sometimes aluminum alloys. Known for their durability, these fillings perform well in both wet and dry conditions. They release antibacterial silver ions, aiding in the prevention of future cavities.
Disadvantages:
The presence of mercury raises safety concerns for some patients, and amalgam fillings do not match tooth color. They are not bonded to the tooth, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in teeth prone to grinding. Additionally, sensitivity to cold foods or drinks is possible.
Composite Fillings
Advantages:
Made from silicon dioxide, organic resins, and photo initiators, composite fillings offer an excellent color match to natural teeth. They can be polished to a high luster and are bonded to the tooth, enhancing stability. Composite fillings are suitable for shallow cavities, requiring less structural removal.
Disadvantages:
Placement requires a dry environment, and composites may absorb stains over time. They are sensitive to any remaining decay in the tooth, making precise application crucial.
Porcelain or Ceramic Fillings
Advantages:
Porcelain or ceramic fillings, often referred to as onlays, are crafted primarily from inorganic minerals. These fillings provide an excellent color match and are highly durable, resisting stains well. They bond securely to the tooth and effectively restore severely damaged teeth.
Disadvantages:
The cost of porcelain fillings is higher than amalgam or composite options, and they require two dental visits for fitting.
Gold Fillings
Advantages:
Gold fillings are renowned for their durability, made from gold alloys containing 30% to 90% gold. They provide long-lasting performance and are ideal for patients who prioritize strength.
Disadvantages:
Gold fillings are costly and do not match tooth color. Placement requires two appointments.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Advantages:
Comprised largely of inorganic fluoride-releasing salts, glass ionomer fillings can be applied in both wet and dry environments. They bond to the tooth and release fluoride, helping to combat decay.
Disadvantages:
Their strength is limited, making them unsuitable for adult teeth, particularly on load-bearing surfaces. They are primarily used in pediatric dentistry.
The Debate Over Amalgam Safety
In early 2008, several European countries moved to ban dental amalgam due to concerns over mercury vapors released during placement. Despite these concerns, strong evidence has not established significant health risks associated with amalgam fillings. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) maintain that dental amalgam is safe for use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dental filling involves considering various materials and their respective advantages and disadvantages. While composite fillings are a common choice due to their aesthetic appeal and functionality, other options like amalgam, porcelain, gold, and glass ionomer offer specific benefits depending on patient needs. Discussing these choices with your dentist ensures you receive the most suitable treatment for maintaining your dental health.
East Wind Dental Care
Dental Implant placement in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Beaverton Oregon
family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
