Porcelain Fillings FAQs
What are porcelain fillings?
Porcelain fillings are fillings that are made from ceramic. Mercury amalgam is a stable alloy made by combining elemental mercury with silver, tin, copper, and possibly other metallic elements. Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling.
Porcelain fillings are better than mercury amalgam because they do not contain possibly toxic mercury and they aren't made of metal so they don't expand and contract at a different rate than your natural teeth. Porcelain is also better than composite because composite fillings can stain and discolor over time unlike porcelain.
What is the difference between porcelain fillings and porcelain inlays and onlays?
Porcelain inlays and onlays are just different names for porcelain fillings. If a filling covers one third of your tooth or less, it is called an inlay because it is placed in your tooth. If your porcelain filling is larger than one third of your tooth, it is called an onlay because it is lying on your tooth.
Why would I want porcelain fillings instead of other types of fillings?
Our dentists recommend porcelain fillings because they have many advantages over metal fillings. These advantages include:
- Durability - you don't need to have your filling replaced as soon (30 years or more for porcelain; 7-10 years for other filling materials)
- Strength - porcelain fillings actually strengthen the teeth in which you have them placed because they don't need as much of your tooth structure removed before they are placed; you keep more of your natural tooth and the porcelain filling is bonded directly to your tooth
- Natural appearance - your porcelain fillings have a much more naturally attractive appearance than metal fillings, so now you don't need to be embarrassed or self conscious because you have metal fillings; no more "metal mouth"
What is the process for getting porcelain fillings?
When you come in to Beach View Dental to get your porcelain filling, the dentist will gently remove the decayed part of your tooth and then take an impression of your cavity. The dentist will fill your tooth temporarily so you will be able to eat and you won't have any more cavity pain.
The impression of your tooth is sent to the lab who will create your custom porcelain filling. We utilize only the best labs and have years of experience at each one.
Once your filling is created you will return to Beach View Dental and the dentist will bond your filling directly to your remaining tooth structure. You will again be able to eat normally with no pain!
Why should I invest in porcelain fillings?
The process of creating your porcelain filling means it is custom made to fit your cavity perfectly as well as match the rest of your teeth. Your new porcelain filling is also more durable and stronger than the old metal amalgam fillings. Therefore, even if they sometimes cost more than metal fillings, porcelain fillings are a better investment because they will save you money in the long run.
If you would like to learn more about porcelain fillings please contact us today.