Dental Fillings in Holmdel, NJ
While everyone does their best to care for their teeth, sometimes regular brushing and flossing aren’t enough. Over time, plaque builds up on the teeth, particularly in hard to reach locations like the back molars. This plaque eats through dental enamel, creating pits and holes that cause pain when someone tries to enjoy regular activities like eating and chewing.
At Dipika T Shah, DDS, LLC., in Holmdel, NJ, we take a modern approach to these cavities. In the past, dentistry focused on using precious metal fillings that made a splash but have a tendency to weaken over time. Here, we use more contemporary materials and technology to help patients like you get their smile back in no time.
What Is a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are the hard material inserted in a cavity to restore part of the structure of a tooth. A filling replaces missing enamel and protects the internal soft pulp, ending pain and reducing the chances of reinfection. While fillings can’t restore the entire tooth, they are essential to keeping the structure together and ensuring you and your loved ones can maintain a smile full of natural teeth, even after decay occurs.
What Are They Made Of?
At Dipika T Shah, DDS, LLC., we use contemporary materials like porcelain and composite resin. These options are durable and can be molded to have a tight fit in the tooth to prevent plaque and bacteria from getting back inside. Composite resin and porcelain can also be colored to match the natural shade of your teeth, so no one will know you had a cavity in the first place.
Older materials are also available, including amalgam (silver) and gold. While more noticeable and a bit softer, these options are still quite durable.
How Long Do They Last?
When installed properly, dental fillings can last between 5 and 15 years. They are prone to damage over time, so it’s important to brush and floss regularly and go to regular dental checkups to ensure they are still strong and capable of protecting your affected tooth. For more information, give us a visit at Dipika T Shah, DDS, LLC., in Holmdel, NJ.