Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings in Spotsylvania, VA

At Smile Lake Anna, we offer different types of restorative dental treatments for damaged teeth, including fillings. Fillings are a great way to restore your smile to its original function and beauty.

If you have cavities or tooth pain and need dental restorations, contact the oral health professionals at Smile Lake Anna today to find out how we can help restore your teeth!

What are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a small piece of restorative material that is placed into a cavity left behind after a tooth becomes damaged. The filling replaces the decayed material and helps protect the tooth against further damage and infection. It also restores the appearance of the tooth.

Dental fillings can repair teeth that have decayed, broken down, or become infected with cavities. They can be made from various materials, including gold, silver, amalgam (a mixture of mercury and other metals), composite resin (plastic-like substance), or porcelain. A filling is usually placed when the tooth is still healthy and strong enough to withstand the pressure of the dental filling material.

There are many benefits of having dental fillings

All-on-4 implants can restore your mouth and give you healthy teeth and a confident smile once again. They offer many benefits over other options like removable dentures or individual dental implants.

A filling will restore the strength of the chewing surface and function of your tooth and improve your overall dental health.

Fillings can last up to 10 years or more

It can help protect the tooth from future tooth decay and even tooth loss.

They are typically less expensive than crowns or bridges

When are Tooth Fillings Necessary?

Tooth fillings are generally recommended when

The tooth has lost some strength due to dental decay, fracture, or gum recession.

If you have had a previous filling that has fallen out.

The tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods (indicates infection).

Types of Tooth Fillings

There are several types of filling available today, including gold fillings, silver amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings, and porcelain fillings. Each type of restorative material has unique properties, which makes them ideal for specific situations.

Gold Filling

Gold fillings are made of gold alloy and other materials. They are a durable option that can last 10 to 15 years. They are also the most visible kind of filling, so they are usually only used for back teeth that are not visible when you smile.

Composite Filling

Composite fillings, also known as "tooth-colored fillings" or "white fillings," are the most popular type of filling because they are made from dental materials that look just like natural teeth. They are made of a composite resin material that is finely ground and blended, these fillings can be matched almost identically to the color of your natural teeth. Not only do these aesthetic crowns offer excellent durability, but they can also improve the appearance or shape of a tooth. Composite material binds and adheres to the remaining tooth structure, which seals and strengthens the tooth underneath, so less of the natural tooth needs to be removed for placement.

Silver Amalgam Filling

Silver amalgam fillings are made of metals including silver, tin, mercury, and copper. Amalgam restorations are durable and can also last 10 to 15 years. Like gold fillings, silver fillings are usually only used for back teeth where they are less visible.

Porcelain Filling

Porcelain fillings are made of high-quality porcelain restorative materials. They are more durable, stain resistant, and wear-resistant than many other traditional options. Porcelain fillings are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with your smile. They are made in a dental laboratory, so you may need a temporary filling while your permanent restoration is being made.

How to Care for Your Dental Fillings

Here are some tips on caring for your dental fillings and preventing additional tooth decay:

Brush your teeth regularly. You should brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. This will remove plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy.
Floss every day. Use floss to clean between each tooth and around your gums. Flossing removes food particles and debris from areas where brushing alone cannot reach.
Protect your filling. Avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunch foods that could damage your filling. If you participate in contact sports or grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard or nightguard.

Keep Your Smile White, Bright, and Healthy at Smile Lake Anna

At Smile Lake Anna, we provide comprehensive care for our patients who want to keep their smiles healthy and white. Our oral health professionals will work together to create a personalized plan to meet your oral health goals. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you!