New Patients (410) 697-6290

Current Patients (410) 356-7799

5 Park Center Ct Suite 302 Owings Mills, MD 21117

Dental Fillings Baltimore, MD

Dental Fillings An Overview

Tooth decay is an unfortunate dental problem that a majority of us will most likely face at some point in our adult life. They are commonly caused by plaque and tartar buildup. If you do suffer from a toot cavity, preserving the natural tooth will be the main goal. A dental filling is necessary to restore strength, health and prevent further damage to the tooth.

Dental fillings are placed after your dentist removes the tooth decay, but they can also be used to repair tooth damage such as chips or cracks. Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the keys to minimizing your risk of needing a filling to treat the decay, and can provide the foundation for lifelong dental health.

As one of Baltimore’s leading cosmetic dentists, we only use tooth-colored dental fillings. Our dental fillings are durable, attractive and highly compatible. While traditional amalgam tooth fillings typically require the removal of healthy tooth structure, composite dental fillings allow your dentist in Baltimore to remove only the decayed area of the tooth. Composite dental fillings, also known as “white fillings”, bond directly to the tooth and expand like natural teeth, making them and less likely to cause cracks. This tight seal will also prevent bacteria from entering the filling area, threatening the integrity of the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are used to restore a broken tooth or may replace an existing large tooth filling. They are used when the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown. Inlays and onlays are an excellent alternative to large tooth fillings because they are more durable and natural looking.

Dental Fillings What to Expect

CEREC Same Day Dentistry

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Lazer is among a small group of dentists in Baltimore using CEREC technology for same day restorations including inlays, onlays and dental crowns. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics and uses CAD/CAM technology to design and fabricate tooth-colored ceramic restorations in a single office visit.

Many of our inlay and onlay procedures can be completed with CEREC technology in our Baltimore dental office. Dr. Lazer will evaluate your condition and choose the type of restoration that is right for your dental health and cosmetic goals.

Replacing Old Fillings

Dr. Lazer also offers patients the option of replacing old amalgam (silver) fillings with new, natural looking white fillings. Depending on the size of your existing tooth filling and the condition of the tooth, Dr. Lazer may use composite dental filling or a porcelain inlay or onlay. Replacing old fillings can not only improve the integrity of your dental health, but provide an instant smile makeover.

The dental filling process is relatively simple and completed during a single visit to our Baltimore dentist office. In most cases, a local anesthetic will be administered in the area around the tooth to make you feel comfortable.

If you have old metal dental fillings or suspect you need a tooth filling, contact Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry at (410) 697-6290 to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online. Dr. Lazer provides tooth fillings in Owings Mills, MD and surrounding Baltimore County communities.

Dental Fillings FAQs

Why do I need a dental filling?

Dental fillings play an important role in the long term maintenance of your smile. They are generally used as a cavity filling, to provide protection and stability to teeth affected by decay. A dental filling may also be used to restore teeth after a root canal procedure. Dental fillings may also be used to treat teeth that have small chips or breaks.

Do I need a dental filling, an inlay or onlay?

The dentist will complete an evaluation to determine what type of dental filling is right for you. In most cases, a composite dental filling is used for minor tooth decay or other damage. An inlay or onlay is used for more significant tooth decay, to replace large old fillings, and in other cases that don’t warrant a dental crown.

Are dental fillings painful?

Many patients avoid the dentist because they fear their procedure will be painful, expensive or complicated. Dental fillings, inlays and onlays are relatively simple procedures. Most patients do not experience any pain during the procedure, though some report mild sensitivity. We use VibraJect to minimize or eliminate pain from any injections and electronic hand pieces that are quiet to reduce your stress during treatment.