Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, may include gold, porcelain, or composite. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are typically used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important.

There are two different kinds of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. These fillings include inlays and veneers fabricated with ceramics or composites. Looking for teeth fillings in Roanoke VA? Eschenbach Family Dentistry offers different types of fillings in Roanoke VA.

Dental Filling Materials Include:

The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, your insurance coverage and your dentist’s recommendation help determine the type of filling that will best address your needs.

  • Gold.
  • Porcelain.
  • Silver amalgam (contains mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper).
  • Tooth-colored, plastic, and glass materials are called composite resin fillings.

Dr. Eschenbach of Eschenbach Family Dentistry is the best fillings and bonding dentist in Roanoke. He aims to improve the oral health of all patients seeking dental care in southwest Virginia, regardless of age or medical disability, through the utilization of quality advanced general dentistry techniques, hygienists, and area specialists.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Filling Materials

The advantages and disadvantages of the several dental filling materials are as follows:

Gold Fillings

Lasts at least 10 to 15 years, some say gold presents a pleasing appearance. But Gold Inlays and Onlays are more expensive than other materials and may require more than one office visit to the place to a dental laboratory.

Silver Amalgam fillings

Lasts at least 10 to 15 years, less expensive than composite fillings. But silver amalgam fillings may require more teeth to be removed to make space large enough to hold a dental amalgam filling. Amalgam fillings can create a grayish hue to the surrounding tooth structure and may have a higher risk of tooth cracks and fractures due to a wider degree of expansion and contraction, and allergic potential in some people.

Tooth-Colored Fillings or Composite Fillings

Shade can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth for cosmetic concerns, bonds to the existing tooth provide additional support, is commonly used for repairs other than a cavity filling, serves as a temporary filling, sometimes less tooth needs to be removed compared with amalgams. But it only lasts at least five years. Tooth-colored material or composite material may chip off teeth depending on location, can cost up to twice as much as amalgams, can take more time to place, and/or additional visits to the dental office. Call us today for tooth-colored fillings or affordable tooth filling in Roanoke.

Ceramics/porcelain

Lasts more than 15 years, more resistant to staining than composite resin material. But ceramics filling can cost as much as gold.

Glass ionomer (acrylic and a specific type of glass material)

Mostly used for fillings below the gum line, releases fluoride that can help protect from further tooth decay. But it is weaker than composite resin, more likely to wear and prone to fracture, lasts five years or less, and costs comparable to composite fillings.

Eschenbach Dental has a team of the best dentist in Roanoke VA, we assist with dental insurance for any dental fillings or any emergency dental treatment.

Why and When do you need a temporary filling?

Temporary fillings are just that; they are not meant to last. They usually fall out, fracture, or wear out within one month. Be sure to keep your appointment to have your temporary filling replaced with a permanent one. If you don’t, your tooth could become infected or you could have other complications. You might need a temporary filling:

  • Following a root canal.
  • If more than one appointment is needed for your filling. For example, before placement of a gold filling and for called indirect fillings use a composite filling material.
  • To allow your tooth’s nerve to “settle down” if the pulp became irritated.
  • If emergency treatment is needed such as to address a problem with chewing surface or toothache.

We have the best cavity fillings dentist in Roanoke VA. We will take care of your tooth decay or any dental fillings you need. Book your appointment today!

How to take care of my teeth with fillings?

To maintain your fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices:

  • Brush with fluoride-containing toothpaste.
  • Floss at least once daily.
  • Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings.

Call your dentist if:

  • You feel a sharp edge.
  • Your tooth is extremely sensitive.
  • You notice a crack in a filling or if a piece of the other filling materials is missing.

Looking for a Roanoke dentist? At Eschenbach Dental, we offer restorative treatment options, including filling cavities and bonding. Call Eschenbach Dental at 540.302.5813. For the health of your smile.