Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, may include gold, porcelain, and composite. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continue to make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth.
At Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Brian Rooney, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and Dr. Reem Hemantharaju help families choose the right filling at our Flemington, NJ office. Fillings are often the next step after preventive care finds early decay.
Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, as well as on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of dental restorations, including:
Before your child’s treatment begins, your doctor will discuss all options and help you choose the best filling for your child’s particular case.
It may be helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings, direct and indirect.
Direct fillings are fillings placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in just one appointment.
Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The dentist then places a temporary covering over the prepared tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory that creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, the dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.
If your child feels nervous about treatment, nitrous oxide is available for mild sedation. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages regular exams so dentists can find and treat decay early, and you can read about our exams and cleanings and sealants. We accept insurance and fee-for-service, and our financial information page explains payment options.
Traditional fillings may include gold, porcelain, and composite. Newer fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds, often called composite resins, that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Our Flemington dentists will explain the options for your child.
Direct fillings are placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit. Indirect fillings, such as inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges, generally require two or more visits and are made in a dental laboratory. Your child’s dentist will recommend the type that fits your child’s case.
A direct filling takes just one appointment, because the dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in the same visit. An indirect filling generally requires two or more visits. We will explain the number of visits before treatment begins at Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry.
Several factors influence the choice, including the filling material, the amount of tooth structure remaining, where and how the filling is placed, the chewing load on the tooth, and the number of visits needed. Before treatment begins, your doctor will discuss all options with you and help you choose the best filling for your child.
Let our team know about any anxiety before your visit. Our treatment rooms include noise-canceling headphones and TVs, and nitrous oxide is available for mild sedation. Request an appointment or call our Flemington office to talk through what will help your child.
Dr. Brian Rooney is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and our 4.8-star Google rating reflects the care our Flemington families receive.
Start your son or daughter on the path to a lifetime of excellent oral health. Contact our Flemington pediatric dental office through our appointment request form and schedule an appointment for your youngster today.
