Cosmetic Dentistry

PORCELAIN FILLINGS

What are Porcelain Fillings?
Porcelain fillings, also known as "composite fillings" or "white fillings," are a more natural-looking alternative to traditional silver fillings. Porcelain fillings are made up of a composite quartz resin and come in a variety of shades so that they will match the color of your natural teeth.

What are the advantages of Porcelain Fillings?

• Since they bond to the tooth, porcelain fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth.
• Porcelain fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
• Teeth restored with porcelain fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold.
• Porcelain fillings are mercury-free.
• Porcelain fillings require less removal of tooth structure and smaller holes made for the filling.

What is the procedure for Porcelain Fillings? The procedure for porcelain fillings is very similar to that of traditional fillings. First, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area. An access hole is then drilled enabling your dentist to get to the decayed area of the tooth. Decay is then removed and a special dental instrument is used to roughen up the surface of the exposed enamel. A rough surface will allow for a stronger bond.

The bond resin is then applied. This resin is made of the same dental resin as the porcelain composite and is used to attach the composite to the tooth. This layer is then hardened and cured with a very bright light. Porcelain composite resin fillings are applied in thin layers, and slowly built up to form the complete filling. A bright dental light will harden each layer before the next is applied.

Once your filling is completed, your dentist will use a special paper, articulating paper, to adjust the height of your dental filling and that your bite remains correct. Your tooth is then polished.

Porcelain fillings are cared for in much the same way as traditional fillings. Regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings will keep your porcelain fillings looking good.