The most common types are metal and plastic. The metal kinds are usually a mixture of metals that include mercury while others contain more gold and may be made “outside” of the mouth and then glued in. These could be mistaken as “onlay” restorations. Plastic fillings are also otherwise known as composite or resin fillings. This white or tooth-colored filling is usually made up of resin and other fillers to get the desired properties such as color, handling, durability and longevity.

All dentists are taught how to do fillings in dental school. This procedure begins by removing the decayed part of the tooth which is called the preparation phase, then the dentist fills this space of the tooth. Once filled, the filling is shaped and polished to look like and act like the normal tooth.

The answer really depends on a lot of factors. However, it heavily relies on the craftsmanship of the dentist and the chosen material used for the filling. So when a dentist is asked, they could say anywhere from 7-12 years. Filing materials do improve over the years, and they should last longer than average, if done correctly.

Was the filling placed well to begin with? Or was it the wrong restoration to begin with? These are the questions that you need to ask. When fillings fail they fall out or leak and then decay creeps in. There are many different possible outcomes, so trusting your dentist’s recommendations and relying on their craftsmanship should be high on your list.

Dental sealants are a special form of restoration that is very similar in look and composition to composite resin fillings. They are usually proposed to seal areas of the teeth that are susceptible to decay. 

This material contains toxic ingredients such as BPA derivatives. BPA is known to promote carcinogenesis of breast cancer by affecting the environment surrounding mammary epithelial cells. Therefore, we believe that they are not safe.

Our answer is no. Mercury fillings contain mercury which is a known poison that kills human cells. It is known to release toxic mercury vapor at body temperature, and that release increases as temperature rises.

Many dentists believe that  amalgam (silver) fillings are safe to use since this was what they learned in dental school, and some would even argue that this material is stable, does not leak and has been used for a long time. It is a cheap material that lasts. 

Our office has never placed these types of fillings. In fact, we focus heavy on removing them from our patients’ mouths. We are well equipped with the right technology to do so as safely as possible for our patients, our staff and the environment.

In our office, the first thing we do is determine the extent of the decay. Then we figure out why and how the decay started. Lastly, we see if the decay is progressing. Only then can we see if the cavity can be reversed. If the cavity cannot be reversed, then we would usually recommend a filling. 

It depends. If we talk and if it is recommended to get numbed for comfort-sake, then we will use the most biocompatible anesthetic possible. Fortunately, most of our fillings are done with our Fotona laser as opposed to a drill. Using our specialized techniques, we are able to do the whole procedure with numbing and without the patient feeling any pain. Our patients love it!

Yes! We love what ozone does for cavities, big and small. It is part of our laser filling protocol as it not only kills bacteria that causes decay, but it also prevents sensitivity.