Services

Restorations

Resin (Tooth Colored Fillings)

Over half of fillings placed in our office is with resin material. A resin is a tooth colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. All of our restorations (fillings) are place by our Expanded Function Duty Assistants (EDA).

What to Expect When Getting a Resin Filling

After anesthetic is placed around the decayed tooth, the dentist will prep the tooth by removing all the decay.  The EDA will then place resin in several layers on the tooth and cure the material by using an ultraviolet light.  The resin is then shaped with the anatomy of the tooth and polished smooth.  Resin restorations allow the patient to eat and drink right away.

Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)

Most people recognize dental amalgams as silver fillings.  Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper.  Mercury is used to bind the metals together and provide a strong, hard durable filling. The mercury in dental amalgam is not poisonous. When mercury is combined with other materials in dental amalgam, its chemical nature changes, so it is essentially harmless. We only place amalgam filling when there is a large area of tooth needing restored, the area can not be kept completely dry, or when the patient requests an amalgam be placed due to insurance coverage.

What to Expect When Getting an Amalgam Filling

After anesthetic is placed around the decayed tooth, the dentist will prep the tooth by removing all the decay.  The EDA will then place the amalgam filling.  The dentist will then check your bite, make any necessary adjustments and polish smooth.  You will need to allow at least one hour before eating or drinking after the restoration is complete.