You know that feeling you get when you buy a new computer, and then 6 months later a brand new version appears on the scene? Innovations in dental technology often leave patients with this same sinking feeling. Over the past decade, simple fillings have been the topic of much debate. From amalgam, to tooth-colored resins, and most recently CEREC tooth-colored fillings. All this change might leave you feeling unsure about how best to restore your smile. At Sommers Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to patient education, and we want to make sure you fully understand your restorative options from the smallest filling to full tooth replacement. With all the discussion about which fillings are best for your bite, we want our patients to know the difference. Call to find out more about tooth-colored resins and CEREC tooth-colored fillings or to schedule your appointment at our Norwalk, OH dental practice.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings, Norwalk
For centuries, fillings and crowns were made from metals. Etruscans around 700 BCE wore dental crowns crafted from precious metals like jewelry to prominently display their wealth. Over the past several centuries, amalgam crowns and fillings have been the preferred dental restoration materials. More recently, tooth-colored resins and ceramic crowns have unseated metallic amalgams in preference.
Tooth-colored resins are considered esthetically more appealing when filling teeth, and they benefit patients who have sensitivity to metal. Additionally, patients often experience heightened hot or cold sensations after receiving amalgam fillings, but tooth-colored resins significantly reduce this sensitivity. Tooth-colored resins allow your dental practitioner to retain more of your tooth’s natural structure as the resin is bonded in a gel-like form directly to the affected area and hardened after placement. Finally, there has been some concern about patient exposure to mercury from amalgam fillings. While research into the effects of mercury on patients with amalgam fillings has been inconclusive, it never hurts to play it safe.
Why CEREC Tooth-Colored Fillings
CEREC fillings are relatively new, but they are quickly gaining support from dentists and patients alike because they combine the best aspects of amalgam and resin fillings offering superior dental restoration in just one visit. CEREC stands for:
Chairside – Utilizing our state of the art 3D digital imaging and intraoral camera, we can view your dental irregularity immediately in our patient care room. Your restoration is also milled right in our office, and can be placed in just one visit.
Economical – The CEREC system allows us to save time and preserve more of your natural dental structure than traditional amalgam fillings.
Restoration –Using digital imaging, the CEREC mill produces fillings that perfectly complete your tooth matching the size, shape, color and texture.
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Esthetic – Your tooth will be fully restored to its natural beauty. It will look and feel like brand new.
Ceramics – Unlike amalgams or composite resins, ceramics are durable and share the most properties with your natural tooth creating a stronger, longer lasting bond between the filling and your enamel.
In the past, using ceramics for a simple filling has been considered excessive because the mold of the tooth would have to be sent to a lab to mill and two office visits would be required to treat a relatively minor dental irregularity. Using CEREC, if you need a filling, inlay, onlay, crown, or veneer, our in-office system allows us to make customized, durable, natural looking dental restorations in just one office visit.
Call Your Norwalk, OH CEREC Dentists – Sommers Family Dentistry
Your Norwalk, OH CEREC dentists at Sommers Family Dentistry are happy to help you make the right restorative dentistry decision for your needs, budget, and schedule. We strive to ensure every patient receives the highest quality care that lasts a lifetime, and CEREC tooth-colored fillings are the latest way to create long-lasting dental restorations for our patients. Call to schedule your dental evaluation or to find out more about CEREC today. Our Norwalk, OH practice welcomes patients from nearby Collins, Milan, Monroeville, Peru, Hartland and beyond.
