What is a Filling?

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.

composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.

It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than it does for a metal filling. That’s because composite fillings require the tooth be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than amalgam gold fillings, probably due to cosmetics. In a society focused on a white, bright smile, people tend to want fillings that blend with the natural color of their teeth.

Ultimately, the best dental filling is no dental filling. Prevention is the best medicine. You can dramatically decrease your risk of cavities and other dental diseases simply by:

• brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• flossing daily
• eating a balanced diet
• visiting the dentist regularly

Filling Materials

The filling materials used to replace missing tooth structure has evolved over the past several years. The filling materials utilized at the Wenatchee Valley Dental Village are among the latest generation of tooth colored fillings available. They generally consist of highly specialized Dimethacrylate resins or more commonly know as composite resins. These materials are built upon 15 years of clinical success. They provide extraordinary wear equal to amalgam or silver fillings.