Dental Fillings in Chicago IL: The Right Fit For You
If you’re dealing with tooth decay or damage, dental fillings can be a simple yet powerful solution. At Strobel Dentistry, we’re committed to restoring and protecting your smile with our high-quality dental fillings in Chicago IL. But what exactly are dental fillings, and why might you need one? Here’s everything you should know.
Traditional dental restoratives, or dental fillings, were most often made of silver amalgam. The strength, durability, and cost effectiveness of this dental material made it especially useful for situations where restored teeth had to withstand extreme forces that result from chewing.
Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are preferable to dental amalgam both for the increased natural appearance and the superior material properties.
Dental Filling Quality Factors in Chicago IL
With Dental Fillings, Chicago patients can expect several factors to influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of the restorations, including:
- The components used in the filling material
- The amount of tooth structure remaining
- Where and how the filling is placed
- The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
- The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth
Before your treatment begins, your doctor will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case. In preparation for this discussion it may be helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings — direct and indirect.
Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the dental filling, and adjusts it in one appointment.
Indirect fillings include inlays, onlays, and veneers fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a dental filling but not enough to necessitate a crown. At our office we can often place inlays and onlays in one visit, and veneers in as little as two!
Schedule Your Appointment at Strobel Dentistry Today
Ready to restore your smile? Give us a call today. Whether it’s your first filling or you’re looking for a replacement, we’re here to help. Call us to schedule an appointment and let us help you achieve lasting dental health.