Dental Fillings

When is a dental filling needed?

Dental fillings or “restorations” are recommended for teeth that have decay or small fractures.  They may also be placed for cosmetic reasons or sensitivity issues.  Older restorations that show signs of leakage or failure should also be replaced as well.

What is the process for having a tooth restored with a filling?

Generally, the tooth will be placed under local anesthesia.  The decay is meticulously removed using visual and tactile detection.  A white filling composed of a type of plastic is then bonded within the tooth.  The end restoration is in harmony with the tooth in appearance and function.

What type of material are fillings composed of?

Nearly all fillings being placed in clinics today are composed of white composite.  More specifically they are acrylic resins containing glass fibers. They are created with a sensitivity to ultra violet lights so that in a patients tooth the filling can be cured to hardness with a hand light within seconds.

Amalgam fillings are made from an alloy of several metals bonded together with mercury. There are some cases in which amalgam would protect the tooth better than a composite restoration. Although amalgam has been researched extensively and been found to be safe under FDA, there is public concern with the presence of mercury. For more information about our dental fillings, call our office today! Redwood Falls Office Phone Number 507-637-3581