Fillings

Choosing the Right Type of Dental Filling

Fillings are done as a treatment for a Cavity, a pre-existing broken filling, a Cosmetic replacement for a blackened silver amalgam filling, or as a replacement for old worn fillings.

Once decay forms, it must be removed to prevent loss of more tooth structure. Decay is discovered by a trained professional with diagnostic tools such as Diagodent, during an examination. However, decay that occurs between teeth or below the gumline, most often is discovered by an X-Ray. Dr. Sunners most often removes the decay and restores the tooth with a Composite Resin that is applied in layers and hardened by a curing light. These Fillings are natural-looking and very durable. Food can be consumed immediately after the filling is complete.

If more than half of the biting surface of a molar is decayed, the option of choice is often an Inlay or Onlay, instead of a Filling. For this Dr. Sunners will use Resin, Gold, or Porcelain that is molded and cemented in place. It provides a stronger restoration than a Filling can.