Dental Fillings/Restorations
DiNinno Family Dental – Fitchburg MA
Dental Restoration
Silver amalgam fillings are still in use today as they are the most economical choice for many patients. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. 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 esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Disadvantages of Silver fillings:
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.
Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.
Don’t Hesitate To Repair Your Cavities
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.
Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!
The result is a beautiful smile!
Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.
Your First Appointment:
- The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
- An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
- A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.
At the Lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.
Your Second Appointment:
- The temporary onlay is removed.
- A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
- Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
- The tooth is then polished.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!
Cases
This is an example of a composite restoration. These are ideal for smaller restorations:
These amalgam restorations are no longer doing their job of protecting the inside of the tooth from bacteria and infection because the edges are starting to wear out. These “fillings” did a great job of protecting the tooth and restoring function for many years, but at this point require replacement.
After restoration with a composite material, the teeth look great and idea form and function have been restored.
The two photographs below exhibit an old amalgam filling with decay under it and replacement with the newer composite materials.
Larger restorations, or fillings, may benefit from a lab made restoration such as a crown or onlay seen here:
Read Our Patient Reviews on Dental Fillings/Restorations
DiNinno Family Dental
Patient Review By Nicole L
I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Nick. Myself and both of my children have been seeing him for years. He and his team are absolutely exceptional, and I highly recommend their practice, especially for complex cases. My son, Colin, had a particularly challenging orthodontic situation, and the results achieved by Dr. Nick are truly outstanding. He approached his case with immense care and a comprehensive plan. Throughout the entire process, he demonstrated expertise and flexibility. He patiently explained each step and ensured both my son and I were comfortable and well-informed. Dr. Nick is a true expert and clearly cares about his patients' outcomes. I am incredibly happy with the results. My son’s smile is perfect, and his confidence has soared. We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of the entire team.
- Nicole L
Patient Review By Donna M
Just finished ANOTHER AMAZING dental appointment with Dr. Nick III. He is like magic making two cracked and chipped teeth look brand new. I have been going to DiNinno Dental for 39 years and would never ever think of going anywhere else. Started out of course with Dr. Nick Jr. who took the fear of dentistry out of me completely. Can you imagine liking the dentist office? Well, that is what happens at DiNinno Dental. Now with Dr. Nick Jr. semi retired.....so deserving....I see Dr. Nick III and like his father, he doesn't miss a beat/ Cool and calm and so patient. Everyone at this office is top notch. And I can't say enough about my hygenist Krissy, she has been keeping my teeth in check for a whole lot of years now and I don't know what I would do without her. So....if you are not going to DiNinno Family Dental than you are going to the WRONG DENTIST! Thank you everyone at DiNinno Family Dental!!
- Donna M
Patient Review By Steven S
I can trust them! The shoot straight with me. They welcomed me to stay in the room with my child and brought in a comfy chair, all the while teaching me what they were doing and answering my many questions. They made me and my child feel extremely at ease and at home. Thanks!! We love you.
- Steven S
Patient Review By Angela T
I became a patient for Invisalign, and now I am a patient for life. My smile has never been brighter and straighter. The entire staff is very friendly and professional.
- Angela T
Patient Review By Toni R
We love it at Dininno family dental. Dr. Nick has taken great care of my kids. Even in emergencies the staff are great at comforting children and explaining everything to them. The entire staff is friendly. This is an amazing office.
- Toni R
Patient Review By Jim L
I suffered for the past 6 months with my first filling after 55 years without a cavity. It had been filled by another Dentist and I was miserable because it had been done incorrectly and caused me a LOT of issues. Dr. DiNinno fixed it perfectly and I know feel I have my mouth back. The Dental Hygienist I saw for Regular Cleaning was exceptional, kind and gentle, but thorough. They have a GREAT team here at DiNinno and I HIGHLY recommend them.
- Jim L
Patient Review By Jim S
I wanted to have the zoom treatment to whiten my teeth. I am 68 and I've always been attentive to my apperance. I went online to research who was in the area. Dr. Dinnino's family practice had the most encouraging comments to know I was was doing the right thing to call for appt. I could not be happier to experience an amazing dental office from the beginning to the end. By the way, I got my ego back. Teeth are beautiful. How fortunate for all of us to have a father and son who are SO TALENTED. I have a forever dentist now. Professionalism with outstanding hospitality. Rebecca was gentle and thorough. Kind of feeling like being part of the family. The camaraderie amongst the staff was clearly evident. A++++.
- Jim S
Patient Review By Karen L
Drop down menu does not give the option of 'routine cleaning' for a procedure so I selected fillings. Two thumbs up for cleanings by Amy and fillings by Nicholas III!
- Karen L
Patient Review By Kristin L
I had not visited the dentist for quite a few years after having several bad experiences. I decided to search on line and try to find a dentist and what drew me to Dinnino was that it was both father and son. I decided to give Dinnino Dental a try and thank goodness! Both father and son are absolutely fantastic and the dental hygienists are fabulous as well. The entire staff is pleasant, friendly and very accommodating. They treat you with kindness and respect and I am so happy that I have finally found my "forever" dentist.
- Kristin L
Patient Review By Alyssa L
Today I arrived to DiNinno Family Dental and requested to have two teeth bonded - although the procedure only required small fillings on two teeth it made a HUGE difference in the appearance of my smile!
- Alyssa L
