708-422-1900 Applying a dental filling is one of the most common methods Dr. Chris Pallotto employs to repair small-to-medium-sized tooth decay. The filling’s location on the tooth, its visibility in your smile, and the tooth’s function all factor into the material used for the dental filling in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Composite fillings are made from a resin material that can be shaded to match the surrounding enamel. These fillings can be applied in a single appointment.
Amalgam fillings are durable and can be used to repair cavities on back teeth. Amalgam is dark in color so it is rarely used to fill a cavity in a spot that is visible in your smile.
Porcelain fillings are a good choice for teeth that appear in your smile. The porcelain material can be shaded to match the color of the surrounding tooth enamel.
Gold fillings are very durable and can often be used to repair back teeth that are responsible for chewing and grinding tough foods.
If a gold or porcelain filling is called for, your dentist will take a detailed impression of the cleaned cavity, apply a temporary filling, and send the impression to a dental lab where the final filling is custom-crafted. You will then need to come back in for a brief second appointment to cement it in place.
If you suspect a cavity has formed on your tooth, you should not delay in contacting Oak Dental Associates at 708-422-1900 to have the tooth examined and treated.