Dr. Diane Pham and her friendly staff at Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry provide dental fillings in Vienna, VA, for patients of all ages. Call 703-225-0040 to schedule an appointment today!

What are dental fillings?

A dental filling is a restoration technique used to repair minor to moderate tooth damage. For example, we may recommend a filling if your tooth has been damaged by tooth decay or if your tooth shows signs of minor fracturing or chipping. The filling is applied and manipulated to restore the tooth’s original structure and function. Fillings can be used for child and adults patients to fix cavities and other minor imperfections.

The Importance of a Dental Filling

If you do not receive treatment for a filling you need, your oral health can be compromised. Teeth that are damaged from cavities or decay will not repair themselves. Destruction of the enamel is irreversible, and if enough time passes, your dentist will not be able to fill the tooth. You may need other procedures, such as a root canal or tooth extraction if this happens.

Schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a dental filling for teeth with significant decay. It is essential to your oral health and your overall wellness.

Types of Dental Fillings: Pros and Cons

Dr. Pham is an expert in restorative dental procedures and will help you decide which filling will best fit your needs and budget. She will create a personalized treatment plan to restore healthy teeth and give you a beautiful smile.

Here are some of the most common types of dental fillings used:

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, are made of a composite resin material that is closely matched to the color of your teeth for a natural look. They are used for cavity filling and other restorations since the bonding is done directly to the tooth and provides extra support. In addition, the bonding process only requires the dentist to remove a small amount of the enamel compared to metal fillings.

Composite fillings last for about five years and are typically more expensive than silver amalgam fillings. Depending on what the filling is used for, you may require multiple appointments.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are the most expensive option, but they last between ten to fifteen years. Depending on where your fillings are placed, these fillings may require more than one visit.

Amalgam Fillings

Silver amalgam fillings are a common type of metal fillings since they last a long time and are less expensive compared to composite fillings. Unfortunately, several downfalls to using silver fillings, and many dentists are moving away from using them. Amalgam fillings require more enamel to be removed to bond them correctly to the tooth. This can create a greyish hue to the tooth and lead to sensitivity, cracks, or fractures later on. Some patients are also allergic to the silver metal used in amalgam fillings.

Porcelain

Porcelain fillings are durable and can last more than fifteen years. They are also very resistant to staining, but these fillings can cost as much as gold in some cases.

Dr. Pham typically uses a BPA-free resin material for most fillings since it is safer to use than metal fillings and more affordable than porcelain. In addition, the composite resin is durable but requires proper dental care to maintain function and avoid being broken.

The Dental Filling Process

The process for placing a filling only requires one visit to our dental office in downtown Vienna. Dr. Pham will remove the decayed and damaged portion of your tooth and then clean the tooth to remove all traces of decay.

She then fills the tooth with BPA-free material specially chosen to match your tooth color and expertly shapes it to coordinate your bite and the other teeth surrounding it. Finally, the filling is hardened for a lasting restoration.

If your tooth is decayed or damaged, restoring the health and function of your smile with dental fillings may be an excellent option for you.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you or your child requires dental fillings, visit our dental office at Capital Esthetics and Famly Dentistry in Vienna, VA. We provide a range of restorative dental treatments for children and adults. Our patients’ dental health and overall wellbeing are always our top priority. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 703-225-0040.