Old school dental restorations, or fillings, are most often made of silver amalgam. The strength and durability of this traditional dental material make it useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces from chewing, especially in the back of the mouth.
 

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 look is important. However, they can also be used on back teeth depending on the location and extent of the decay.
 

While many dentists use either budget-friendly dental composites or more cosmetic, high-quality options, few are aware of the potentially hazardous chemicals in dental composite materials used for bonding and fillings.

At My Dentist in Bakersfield, CA, we prioritize your safety by exclusively using BPA-free composite materials on all fillings, ensuring the best and safest choice for our patients.
 

What's right for me?

Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and cost of dental restorations, including:

• The components used in the filling material  

• The amount of remaining tooth structure  

• The location and method of placement  

• The chewing load the tooth must withstand  

• The number and length of visits needed to complete and adjust the restoration  
   

Before beginning your treatment, our team will discuss all available options with you to help determine the best filling for your specific needs. To prepare for this conversation, it’s helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings — direct and indirect.
 

Direct fillings are placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The process involves preparing the tooth, placing the filling, and making adjustments all in one appointment.
 

Indirect fillings typically require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, and veneers made from gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. These are used when a tooth has too much damage for a simple filling but not enough to require a crown. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression of the area. A temporary cover is placed over the tooth, and the impression is sent to a dental lab to craft the restoration. At the next appointment, the dentist cements the custom restoration and makes any necessary adjustments.
 

Visit or contact My Dentist in Bakersfield, CA, to learn more about your options and receive personalized, safe dental care.