Dental Fillings In Saint Paul, MN

Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth damaged by decay. When bacteria and acids in plaque erode tooth enamel, cavities form — small holes that can grow larger over time. Dental fillings help restore the tooth's structure and function by filling these cavities, preventing further decay and discomfort.

Dental fillings come in various types, such as composite resin, gold, and ceramic, each offering unique benefits regarding durability, aesthetics, and suitability for different teeth. The process involves numbing the area, removing decayed material, placing the filling material, and shaping it to fit the natural contours of the tooth. Dental fillings in Saint Paul, MN, not only restore dental health but also enhance the appearance of teeth, promoting overall oral health and allowing patients to chew and speak comfortably.

Types of Dental Fillings

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and made from a blend of plastic and fine glass particles. They are versatile and can be closely matched to the natural color of your teeth, making them aesthetically pleasing and suitable for use on front teeth or other visible areas. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which often requires less removal of healthy tooth material. This bonding characteristic also helps to support the remaining tooth structure, potentially reducing the risk of fracture in the future.

Benefits:

• Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making them suitable for visible areas.
• They bond directly to the tooth, which can help support the remaining tooth structure and potentially reduce the fracture risk.
• Composite resin can fill small to medium-sized cavities and repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings, also known as gold inlays or onlays, are made from a gold alloy. They are custom made in a dental laboratory based on impressions taken of your tooth. Gold fillings are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for areas that undergo heavy chewing pressure. While they are more expensive than other types of fillings and require multiple visits to the place, their longevity and ability to withstand wear make them a preferred choice for some patients.

Benefits:

• Gold fillings are highly durable and resistant to wear, making them ideal for areas subjected to heavy chewing pressure.
• They can last longer than other types of fillings with proper care.
• Gold is well-tolerated by gum tissue and unlikely to cause allergic reactions.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings, often made of porcelain, are tooth-colored and provide a natural-looking appearance that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. They are stain-resistant and durable, making them suitable for front teeth and areas where aesthetics is a priority.

Ceramic fillings are custom made in a dental laboratory based on impressions of your tooth, ensuring a precise fit and optimal function. They are also biocompatible, well-tolerated by gum tissue and unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Contact us today to learn more.

Benefits:

• Ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and closely match the natural color of teeth, providing a natural-looking appearance.
• They resist staining and maintain their color over time.
• Porcelain fillings are durable and can withstand moderate chewing pressure, making them suitable for front teeth and visible areas.

The Dental Filling Procedure

Preparation and Numbing

First, the dentist in Saint Paul, MN uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. Once the numbing agent takes effect, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth using a dental drill, laser, or other tools. The area is thoroughly cleaned to remove all decay and debris.

Filling Placement

After the tooth is prepared, the dentist selects the appropriate filling material based on factors such as the location, size, and preferences of the patient. Common filling materials include composite resin, gold, and ceramic.

Composite resin fillings are applied in layers, each hardened using a special curing light. This bonding process allows for precise shaping and ensures a solid attachment to the tooth structure. On the other hand, gold and ceramic fillings are custom made in a dental laboratory based on impressions of the prepared tooth. These fillings are then bonded to the tooth using dental cement.

Final Adjustments and Polishing

Once the filling material is placed and shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth, the dentist will check your bite to ensure proper alignment. Any excess material is trimmed, and the filling is polished to smooth out rough edges and enhance its appearance. This final step makes the filling comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Aftercare

After the procedure, proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing regularly, are essential. Attend scheduled dental checkups to monitor the integrity of the filling and overall oral health. With proper care, dental fillings can provide long-lasting restoration, preserving the tooth's function and appearance for years.

Dental fillings play a critical role in treating cavities caused by tooth decay and restoring tooth structure, function, and aesthetics. Visit Hillcrest Dental Center at 1762 Iowa Ave East, Saint Paul, MN 55106, or call (651) 771-6464 to book your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, cavity-free smile!