Thursday, January 11, 2018

Resin and Amalgam Fillings

The experienced team at Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster can tell you everything you need to know about resin and amalgam fillings. We have been providing a full range of dental services to adults and children since 1973. Getting a cavity filled is a simple procedure, but your dentist may offer you a choice of various materials for your filling. Knowing the pros and cons of each material in advance will make your decision easier.

Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam is a mixture of a number of metals, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin. This compound is extremely durable and resistant to large forces, making it very suitable as a material for fillings. Many dentists prefer metal amalgam fillings to be used on the chewing surfaces of the molars, which undergo extreme wear and tear over years of grinding down food. Amalgam is also favored by dentists because it is easy to work with. There is very little waiting time between setting the filling and it being completely cured.

Amalgam fillings have come under scrutiny in recent years because of the mercury content of the filling and the health risks of exposure to high levels of mercury. Fortunately, when chemically bonded to other metals in the form of a filling, it is not possible for mercury to enter the bloodstream and cause health problems. Research by the American Dental Association has found that dental amalgam is a safe material for use in fillings.

Resin Fillings
Resin composite fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and ceramic compounds. Their main advantage is their white color which blends in with the natural color of tooth enamel. For this reason, resin composite dental fillings are the first choice for fillings near the front of the mouth that are visible when smiling. When they were first developed, resin fillings were not strong enough to be used on the back molars. Over the past 15 years, however, advances in technology have improved their durability, allowing them to be used on all teeth.

Resin fillings are generally more expensive than amalgam fillings. They are also slightly more difficult for your dentist to successfully complete, as the area of the dental cavity must be kept completely dry while the material is being applied and cured. This can be done using rubber dams and specialized tools, but it is difficult when the cavity extends below the gumline. Whereas amalgam fillings often last more than 20 years, resin fillings have not been around long enough to prove their long-term durability.


Knowing the differences between resin and amalgam fillings will help you understand the options when it comes to deciding which is right for you. At Bertagnolli Dental, we are committed to giving all of our patients the best results and the most comfortable experience. We’ll help you select the right material for your filling while taking into account all of your concerns about cosmetics, durability, health effects and cost. For more information on fillings or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call today.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Fillings Are Nothing to Worry About

Fillings Are Nothing to Worry About Bertagnolli Dental
Tlinghis week at Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster, we want to let you know that fils are nothing to worry about. Dental fillings, sometimes known as restorations, are one of the most common dental procedures. Most Americans will need at least one filling at some point in their life, and the procedure is so quick and simple that it should not be any cause for concern.

Why Would I Need a Filling?
A filling will be recommended by your dentist if they find a cavity in your tooth during your dental checkup. A cavity is basically a hole formed in the surface of your tooth's enamel due to tooth decay. Some people are more prone to tooth decay than others, but you can reduce your chances of getting a cavity by avoiding sugary, sticky and acidic foods, and keeping up a good oral hygiene routine.

What Does the Procedure Involve?
To carry out a filling, your dentist will first numb the area of your mouth surrounding the tooth. This is to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. First, a numbing gel is applied to the gums. Once the gum has been numbed, the dentist will inject an anesthetic into the area to fully numb the surrounding teeth, gums, tongue, and cheek. The dentist can then use their tools to remove any remaining decaying material from the tooth and thoroughly clean out the hole.

After the cavity has been cleaned, they will fill the hole with a tough material designed to replicate the structure of your tooth. This will allow you to continue using the tooth to bite and chew as you normally would, and it will protect the damaged area from further decay. The most common materials used to fill cavities are composite resins, metal amalgams, ceramics, and gold. Dental ionomers are tooth-colored materials used for cavities between teeth or very small cavities. Ceramic and gold fillings are generally more expensive than composite resins or metal amalgams.

After the Procedure
While the procedure itself will only take between 20 minutes and one hour to complete, your mouth will probably stay numb for a few hours afterward. It is recommended to avoid eating solid foods until the feeling has fully returned to your mouth. This will lower your risk of accidentally biting your tongue or cheek. Your tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures for a time after the filling. You can ask your dentist to recommend special toothpaste to combat this problem if it affects you.

A tooth filling is a quick, affordable, and painless procedure that can extend the life of your tooth by decades. If you refuse your dentist's recommendation of a filling, the decay can advance deeper into the tooth and eventually cause a lot of pain and possible infection. Once the decay is advanced, the only options are to get a more expensive root canal and dental crown or to have the tooth pulled.

Now that you know fillings are nothing to worry about, you should schedule that appointment with your dentist, instead of putting it off until you are in serious pain. Bertagnolli Dental offers our Westminster patients a range of anesthetic and sedation options for all procedures. For all information and to schedule an appointment, we are here.