Dr. John and Dr. Sara Gotwalt place dental fillings in their Lititz, PA dentist office to address tooth damage, decay or minor cosmetic concerns. Dental fillings protect teeth as well as add strength and durability. Depending on your dental health needs, location of the affected tooth or cosmetic goals, Dr. John or Dr. Sara will recommend the appropriate type of filling for a lasting result.
Types of Dental Fillings
- Dental Composites – “White Fillings” – Dental composites are also called white fillings. These materials are similar to those used in direct fillings and are tooth colored. Their strength and durability is not as high as porcelain or metal restorations, but they offer natural looking results.
- Amalgam Dental Fillings – Comprised of silver and mercury, amalgam fillings were the standard for many years and are used in certain situations today. In most cases, a white filling is recommended for better aesthetics.
- Gold Dental Fillings – Gold fillings are one of the preferred types of fillings because they offer unparalleled strength and durability. Gold fillings are extremely comfortable and compatible with teeth and are well suited for the restoration of teeth in the back of the mouth.
- Porcelain Dental Fillings – Porcelain inlays and tooth-colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable), but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Sealants vs. Dental Fillings
While fillings are used for teeth that have been affected by decay or other damage, sealants are used to prevent decay. Tooth sealants are highly effective and often used on children’s permanent teeth. Sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting tooth enamel from plaque and acid erosion.
Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing often can’t reach. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.