Fillings

Tooth decay is the most common dental problem in the United States. Plaque and bacteria work together to destroy tooth enamel by eating away areas on the surface of the teeth. Most decay starts small but without treatment, the areas will continue to spread, making it harder and more expensive to repair.

When decay is allowed to spread uncontrolled, it can creep deeper within the body and cause tooth loss or infection.

When tooth decay is found, treatment requires the decay to be removed and a dental filling placed in the resulting defect. The special dental material makes the tooth whole again.

Dental fillings are available in several different materials. The choice of material is dependent upon the patient’s budget, insurance coverage, and personal preferences.

Gold fillings are the strongest but also the most expensive.

Porcelain fillings are used to repair small defects or larger ones. When large areas of teeth need repair, they are called inlays or onlays. Color is easily matched to the original teeth with porcelain.

Composite resin is also easily color-matched but more economical than porcelain. Composite resin also requires less tooth enamel removal to be placed.

Silver amalgam fillings are not typically chosen for front teeth due to the metal color. The strength of the amalgam, however, is an excellent choice for the back teeth where chewing forces are much more intense.

Dr. Juan Carlos Barbosa at Woodbury Periodontics PC is the expert your entire family needs for oral health.