Fillings

Achieve a Brighter Smile with High-Quality Dental Fillings

At Reagin Family Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority! If you’re seeking reliable and aesthetically pleasing dental fillings, you’ve come to the right place. Our team is committed to providing exceptional dental care tailored to your unique needs. Let’s explore the world of dental fillings and address common questions to ensure you make informed decisions for a radiant smile.

For all your dental filling needs, contact Reagin Family Dentistry at (770) 671-9199.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings

Here are some of the most common questions our patients ask about dental fillings:

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They help restore the tooth's structure and function and prevent further deterioration. At Reagin Family Dentistry, we offer a range of filling options tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a healthy and confident smile.

How long do dental fillings last?

The lifespan of dental fillings varies based on the material used and the location in the mouth. Generally, silver amalgam fillings last about 10 to 15 years, while composite fillings may last around 7 to 10 years. Regular dental check-ups at Reagin Family Dentistry allow us to monitor the condition of your fillings and recommend timely replacements if needed.

Is there a filling material that matches the tooth color?

Yes, tooth-colored fillings, often made from composite resin, can perfectly match the color of your natural teeth. These aesthetically pleasing fillings blend seamlessly, providing a discreet and attractive solution for visible cavities.

If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced?

While a pain-free experience may suggest a healthy tooth, routine dental examinations are essential to identify potential issues. Over time, fillings may wear down or develop cracks, compromising their effectiveness. Regular check-ups allow us to detect these issues early, preventing more extensive problems and ensuring the longevity of your dental fillings.

Are dental amalgams safe?

Concerns about the safety of dental amalgams are common. The Food and Drug Administration, along with other organizations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), is actively researching the safety of dental amalgams used in restorations (fillings). However, there is no credible scientific evidence to suggest that amalgams pose any harm to patients with dental restorations, except in rare instances of allergic reactions.

Exploring Alternatives to Amalgrams | Modern Dental Materials

Amalgam fillings, long considered the gold standard in dentistry for their strength and durability, have dominated dental practices for decades. However, with the evolution of dental technology, there’s a broad spectrum of alternative materials offering enhanced aesthetics and diverse benefits.

At Reagin Family Dentistry, we embrace these advancements, providing you with an array of filling options. Our commitment is to cater to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring you make an informed decision about the most suitable material for your dental restoration.

Let’s explore some of the most common kinds of alternatives to silver amalgam:

Ionomers

Ionomers stand out as an excellent choice for non-load-bearing fillings. Crafted from tooth-colored materials comprising acrylic acids and fine glass powders, ionomers offer a gentle and protective approach to dental restorations.

While they may lack the natural translucency of enamel, ionomers release a small amount of fluoride, providing an added layer of protection for those at a higher risk of decay. These fillings are particularly well-suited for areas that don't bear heavy chewing pressure, such as small cavities between teeth or on the roots.

Composite Fillings

For those seeking a harmonious blend of aesthetics and durability, composite fillings are an ideal choice. Created by combining acrylic resin and finely ground glasslike particles, composite fillings provide tooth-colored restorations that seamlessly integrate with your natural teeth.

These fillings are known for their good durability, making them suitable for small-to-medium-sized restorations. Additionally, the more conservative repair approach of composite fillings means less removal of tooth structure during preparation, resulting in a smaller filling compared to traditional amalgams.

Porcelain (Ceramic) Dental Materials

When it comes to achieving aesthetic excellence, porcelain restorations lead the way. Inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers made from porcelain mimic the natural color and translucency of tooth enamel with remarkable precision.

While they require multiple visits for fabrication and placement, the exceptional strength and wear resistance of porcelain make it a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting and visually stunning dental solutions. The ability to customize the shade and shape of porcelain restorations ensures a personalized and natural-looking result that enhances your overall smile.

Analysis Reveals a Decline in Children's Tooth Decay

Recent analysis from the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) presents an encouraging trend in pediatric oral health. Compared to the early 1970s, today’s children exhibit significantly lower rates of tooth decay in both primary (baby) and permanent teeth.

The analysis, focusing on children aged six to 18 years, reveals a substantial 57.2% decrease in decayed permanent teeth over a 20-year period. Moreover, children aged two to 10 years experienced a noteworthy drop of nearly 40% in diseased or decayed primary teeth.

Unveiling the Power of Sealants

Research shows that nearly everyone, regardless of age or oral hygiene habits, has a staggering 95 percent chance of developing cavities in the deep pits and narrow grooves of their teeth. These hard-to-reach areas are notorious for trapping food particles and bacteria, making them prime targets for decay. However, dental science came to the rescue in the 1950s with the introduction of sealants—a revolutionary preventive measure that has since transformed the landscape of oral care.

Here’s some important information you need to know about sealants:

How Sealants Work

Sealants act as a protective barrier, filling in crevasses on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. By sealing out food particles, they prevent cavities from forming. Applied comfortably and quickly, sealants have been proven to halt cavities, especially when placed on slightly decayed teeth.

Ideal Candidates for Sealants

Sealants are most effective when applied to permanent first molars (around age 6) and second molars (around age 12). Children benefit greatly from sealants due to the newness of their teeth, with over 65% of cavities occurring in the narrow pits and grooves of newly erupted teeth.

Application Process

The application of sealants involves cleaning, etching, and applying the sealant material. The process is quick and painless, ensuring the longevity of the sealant and protection against decay for up to five years.

Insurance and Sealant Procedures

While insurance coverage for sealant procedures is increasing, it's still relatively minimal. Many dentists, including those at Reagin Family Dentistry, anticipate a shift as insurers recognize the long-term benefits of sealants in reducing dental expenses and preventing the need for more aggressive treatments.

Trust Reagin Family Dentistry for Comprehensive Dental Solutions

At Reagin Family Dentistry, our commitment goes beyond traditional dental practices. We believe in offering you a range of alternatives to suit your unique preferences and oral health needs. Whether you opt for the gentle protection of ionomers, the aesthetic appeal and durability of composite fillings, or the unmatched excellence of porcelain restorations, our experienced dental team is here to guide you through the process.

Schedule your appointment today and explore the comprehensive dental filling solutions available at Reagin Family Dentistry.