New Patients (336) 290-7401

Current Patients (336) 226-0855

3450 Forestdale Drive Burlington, NC 27215

The Types of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are the typical fix to deal with tooth decay. But there are multiple kinds of fillings that you can choose from to restore your smile. At Fuller Dental, a dentist in Burlington, NC, we have an option that can fit every unique case.restorative dentist in burlington, north carolina

Gold Fillings

Gold dental fillings are typically the most expensive type of filling due to the material. They’re custom-made in a lab and then are cemented to your tooth. Many people do consider these to be the best material for fillings. Fillings made from gold can last more than 15 years and the material is well-tolerated by gum tissue.

Amalgam/Silver Fillings

For many years, this was the go-to kind of filling. It’s still popular because it’s an inexpensive choice that’s still tolerable to have. However, this material isn’t ideal for fillings that are in the front teeth or very visible areas. They’re darker than other choices and stand out compared to the white of your teeth.

Composite Resin

Composite fillings are popular because they can be made to match the exact color of your tooth, allowing them to blend in seamlessly. However, these fillings don’t last as long as other options, having a lifespan of only around 3-10 years. They also are more prone to staining from coffee and other foods or drinks and can chip away and wear down. They’re not recommended for fillings that are fairly large.

Porcelain Fillings

These are often commonly known as inlays or onlays. They’re used for particularly large amounts of tooth decay. Like gold, they’re custom-made in a lab and cemented to the tooth. They cost about as much as gold fillings, too. These fillings are tooth-colored and resist the staining that resin ones are prone to. Because they cover a larger area, they blend in well with the smile.

The Dental Filling Procedure

When you have a dental cavity, it can usually be taken care of in one visit to our office. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around the affected tooth. When you’re comfortable, the tooth is cleaned out and any debris or decay is removed. Once this is done, your chosen dental filling material will be used to finish the tooth. It’s cured and hardened, then polished and shaped to blend in naturally.

If you’re getting a filling made of materials that require a lab setting, a temporary filling can be used until your permanent one is ready. Impressions are taken to make sure the custom-made filling is made correctly. When it’s ready, it’ll be cemented into the tooth.

Getting Dental Fillings in Burlington, North Carolina

Which dental filling material is the right one for you? Call us or schedule an appointment online to get started.