Dental Filling Options
Two of the most common dental problems that people face are tooth decay and tooth damage. These all range in matters of degree. On the low end of tooth decay, you have cavities; on the high end, you may be dealing with severe decay of a substantial amount of tooth structure. The same degree applies to tooth damage, with chips on the low end and major loss of tooth structure on the high end. Philadelphia cosmetic dentist Dr. Richard Tobey, Jr. is committed to meeting your needs as you need them met and will develop a treatment plan just for you.
Determining the Best Dental Restoration Option for You and Your Needs
The best way to figure out which dental filling or dental restoration option will be best for your needs is to come in for a consultation. Ideally, we will select the option that retains as much healthy natural tooth structure as possible, as such options will prevent major tooth problems from occurring down the road.
As a cosmetic dentist and orthodontist serving Philadelphia, Dr. Tobey has a strong understanding of both dental health issues and dental aesthetics issues. He will use this information to perform the best filling procedures for you. Let’s look at some options right now.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a standard treatment that is performed in order to fill cavities. The dental filling procedure is rather straightforward. First the tooth that is going to be treated is cleaned thoroughly. Next, the compromised tooth material is removed as preparation for the filling. Finally, the filling material is set into the tooth itself and allowed to harden, thus improving the overall strength of the tooth.
In the past, metal fillings were the norm, but ceramic fillings are used more often these days. These ceramic fillings will blend in with the rest of the tooth, making them imperceptible to others. In addition to this, the ceramic materials are made of completely safe materials unlike some metal fillings of the past.
Dental Crowns and Other Restorations
More substantial tooth decay or damage means more substantial treatments, such as ceramic dental crowns or inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are like larger ceramic dental fillings. Dental crowns are used for major damage and decay, capping the tooth from further damage while restoring its structure as well. For damage and decay that necessitates the extraction of a tooth, dental implants and removable dental restorations may be considered as needed.
Porcelain Veneers and Cosmetic Treatments
And as a matter of degree, not all tooth damage or tooth decay will be extremely serious. In such cases, other options can be considered for dental restoration. Philadelphia porcelain veneers, for instance, as best for purely aesthetic problems with damage or decay. They will be affixed to the front of the affected tooth, concealing imperfections. Tooth bonding is another option to consider, which involves the application of a dental ceramic to the tooth in order to build tooth structure.
Find Out What Option Will Best Meet Your Needs
We can’t tell you which option will work best online, so we encourage you to come into the practice today. To schedule an appointment, contact our Philadelphia cosmetic dentistry practice at your earliest convenience.