Dental Fillings in Iowa City, IA

At Willow Creek Family Dentistry, a dental filling is a restorative dental treatment used to address areas of decay in a tooth. Decay can occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that break down the enamel, the outer layer of the teeth. This decay can eventually grow larger, destroying the entire tooth.

Why Are Dental Fillings Used?

Dental fillings are used to fill and seal a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, or other types of damage. By placing a dental filling in your tooth, your dentist is halting the progression of the decay, repairing the damage, and restoring the tooth to normal function.

Dental fillings have improved over the years, and they are now more natural looking and more comfortable than ever. Your filling will be created to match your natural tooth and blend in seamlessly with your smile.

Types of Fillings

Silver Amalgam Fillings

Metal amalgam fillings are metallic materials mixed with mercury, tin, and copper. This type of filling is typically used to restore decayed or cracked teeth, but it is not recommended for large cavities. Amalgam fillings are strong and durable, but often cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite resin fillings are a mixture of plastic and glass that can be shaded to match your natural teeth. These restorations do have a few drawbacks, including durability concerns, but many patients appreciate the natural appearance.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays, depending on their size. They are made in a dental lab and bonded to the tooth. These types of fillings are often used on teeth that are more damaged.

If you have a cavity, it will need to be removed and replaced with a filling. If the damage to the tooth is too large, a porcelain filling may be the best option.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are made from a combination of metals: liquid mercury and a powdered alloy. The metal is mixed, then ground into a fine powder, and packed into the cavity. The gold filling is then bonded to the tooth using dental cement. This type of filling is popular because it is durable and relatively inexpensive.

Advantages of Fillings

Minimally Invasive Procedure

A filling is a minimally invasive procedure. That means the dentist will only need to remove a minimal amount of tooth structure. Fillings are typically placed in one appointment. The dentist cleans out the tooth, removes the decay, and fills the tooth with the filling material.

Natural Appearance

A dental filling helps to strengthen a weakened tooth and prevent the decay from spreading. Fillings are also the ideal solution for patients that don’t have strong enough enamel to support a dental crown.

Fillings are bonded to the tooth, which helps to restore the structure and function of the tooth. Most patients prefer fillings because they blend in seamlessly with the natural smile.

Protects Tooth

Fillings are small restorations that protect teeth from further decay. The filling material seals the teeth, preventing bacteria from entering and causing further decay. Fillings are excellent for repairing small cavities and preventing further decay.

Get in touch with Willow Creek Family Dentistry at 2346 Mormon Trek Blvd, Suite 2600, Iowa City, IA 52246, or call dentist in Iowa City, IA at (319) 339-4456 to learn more about the benefits of fillings.