Drill-Free Fillings

We have all heard stories of people who have had to endure the pain of getting a tooth cavity drilled and filled. A cavity is a hole that forms on the surface of a tooth caused by bacteria in your mouth and if left untreated, cavities can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even death.

Traditional fillings are a great option for teeth that are in good condition but requires drilling to remove the cavity from the tooth.

Fortunately, there is a newer state-of-the-art treatment for cavities called drill-free fillings. it is designed to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible.

Drill-free fillings do just what the name implies. The fillings do not require any drilling of the tooth or use of an injection to numb the area as done in traditional fillings. Instead, it is a process where a laser is used to heat up the tooth and then remove the decayed material in order to create space so it can be filled with a high-tech, tooth colored material. The filling is shaped to make sure that it fits perfectly and then it is sealed off with a clear resin. This stops the cavity from spreading to more sensitive parts of your mouth.

At Sun City Dental Dr. Gonzalez is the only dentist in El Paso using a laser for drill free fillings.

Types of Fillings

Fillings are a great way to restore your smile and improve your oral health. There are many options available for fillings, and it’s important to know what each type is, how they work, and what the benefits are of each type. There are two broad categories of fillings for teeth – metal and tooth-colored.

Metal Fillings

Metal fillings are another popular option when it comes to restoring damaged teeth. Metal fillings can be made out of gold alloys or other metals such as silver, tin, and zinc alloys depending on what’s best suited for your situation. These types of fillings require less maintenance than composite resin fillings.

Amalgam —Dental amalgam is an alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. These dental fillings are strong, inexpensive, and can make teeth look good. The only problem is that they’re slightly noticeable to others and take more prep than other fillings.

Cast Gold — Cast gold is a material that, unlike some other dental materials, lasts for long periods of time and doesn’t need much maintenance. However, it can be more expensive than other types of fillings.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite — Composite is a tooth-colored filling that looks and feels like your natural tooth. It’s made of glass lonomer and resin. One of the main reasons composites are preferred over amalgam fillings is their increased longevity. Less drilling is another advantage with composite fillings. The modern composite materials are almost as durable as amalgams, making them a great choice for patients who want long lasting dental care.

Porcelain — These dental ceramics are sturdy, natural-looking, and don’t stain as composites can. Porcelain fillings are stronger than composites but can still chip or crack if they’re subjected to stressors such as chewing hard foods or grinding your teeth at night. They’re also more expensive than the average filling and require more upkeep because they can’t be sealed like porcelain fillings.

Glass Ionomer — These inexpensive, translucent fillings use acrylic and glass powders to create a filling that blends fairly well with the natural color of teeth and releases small amounts of fluoride to help prevent decay. They don’t usually last as long as other filling types, but they’re still very effective.

What to Expect After Getting a Filling

Without the use of anesthesia you will be able to leave the office almost immediately. It’s important to avoid drinking hot or cold liquids and eating on the side of the mouth with your new filling. You should experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the first couple of weeks after getting a tooth filled, which is completely normal. If you have pain when biting, get in touch with your dentist immediately.

You’ll also want to make sure to brush your teeth regularly and floss after your procedure and also talk with your dentist about what you can do at home to help speed up the healing process.

Experience the speed and comfort of drill-free fillings at Sun City Dental in El Paso.