Restoration of Tooth Decay

We match the shade of resin used to the color of the patient's other teeth. We either mold the filling to match the shape of an existing tooth or to create a new shape that better suits the patient's bite. These restorations are the quickest and most economical method of providing a cosmetic change. Resin fillings typically last for many years and are less likely to fracture than traditional silver amalgam fillings. Over the life of a resin filling, it may darken slightly (at the junction of the tooth and filling) from foods and drinks. These fillings can be bleached with whitening products, but not to a shade lighter than when first placed. Martin Family Dentistry only places resin fillings.

Silver amalgam fillings have been used since the early 1800s.  These fillings are still effective, but their use has declined as they are require more tooth structure to be removed.  They are also more likely to cause the tooth to fracture in the long term. Silver amalgam fillings are slightly less expensive than resin fillings and are primarily used on molars. Silver amalgam fillings are visibly different than natural tooth color. Martin Family Dentistry no longer places silver amalgam fillings as it is our mission to perform the highest quality dentistry.  We believe the long term risk of tooth fracture (which would need to be fixed with a much more expensive crown) does not outweigh the small cost savings.

Crowns takes two appointments. During the first appointment, the tooth is numbed and reshaped so that it can accept a crown.  Next, a mold of the reshaped tooth is taken.  The temporary crown is created and cemented in place. This protects the tooth and preserves its functionality.  The mold is sent to a dental laboratory, which fabricates the permanent crown. This process normally takes two weeks.  Permanent crowns can be made of porcelain, zirconia, or gold. During the second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans the underlying tooth, and cements the permanent crown.