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.