Tooth Colored Fillings

Restoration of a decaying tooth to a healthy state involves Dr. Laurence Langer diagnosing the problem and devising a treatment plan. Once that occurs, he will administer a local anesthetic so that you do not feel any discomfort. After the decay is removed, he will design your tooth to receive either a direct restoration or an indirect restoration.

In the case of a direct restoration, your tooth can likely be restored in one visit; there is sufficient tooth structure for the filling to go inside the tooth or at least sufficient tooth structure to maintain the majority of the natural tooth. Amalgam, which is silver colored, is an example of a direct restoration. Composite, another example, is tooth colored. Tooth-colored fillings are being placed more than amalgam fillings these days because of their superior esthetic qualities.

Indirect fillings are when the restoration is made outside of your mouth, either by a lab or by a milling machine, and needs to be cemented into place. Some examples of indirect restorations are inlays, crowns, and onlays. An inlay fits inside the tooth and can replace a wall of the tooth; a crown covers the entire tooth; and an onlay replaces at least one cusp of the tooth.

With the exception of restorations that are milled by a machine in the office, most indirect restorations take two or more appointments to complete. Because of their superior esthetic qualities, porcelain ceramics are becoming even more popular than cast gold, which is the most durable indirect restoration material. In addition to being esthetically superior, they are resistant to surface wear and long lasting.

For more information, you can link onto to the American Dental Association's web site: LINK.