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 Steve P
Absolutely the most professional, knowledgeable, and friendly dental office I have ever been in. I have been a patient for several years now and could not be more pleased with my dental care, I no longer dread going to the dentist.
- Steve P
Patient Review By John D
I have trusted Dinino Family Dentist for my semi annual cleanings, filings, and crowns for over 20 years. I trust my mouth to the wonderful hygienist and the doctors (father and son) of Dinino Family Dentist. The staff is consistently helpful and friendly, and pleasant. They have always been able to answer dental or insurance questions and schedule my appointment for just the right time. I heartily recommend Dinino Family Dentist,
- John D
Patient Review By Carianne D
I started going here from a recommendation of a friend. The BEST dental office. What a wonderful group of people. Friendly and extremely helpful. For the first time in my life I don't mind going to the dentist. I'm in the process of the WORKS. I've had some minor things done, In office ZOOM which I'd recommend to anyone and will be starting with Invialign in a couple weeks. Looking forward to my dental journey this year with the DiNinno Dental Family!!!!!!!
- Carianne D
Patient Review By Peter D
On the recommendation of a friend, my family and I switched to DiNinno Family Dental several years ago and I have never regretted making the change. It's a friendly and welcoming office and the Docs as well as the entire staff are always professional, friendly and caring. All are great at making you feel comfortable.
- Peter D
Patient Review By Peter D
My family and I made the switch to DiNinno Family Dental a few years ago on the recommendation of a friend and we have never regretted the change. Exceptional care by everyone in the office. You can tell they all want to make you feel comfortable in the office and that is very much appreciated.
- Peter D
Patient Review By Susan S
I have been a patient of Dr. Nick for more than 34 years. I had a lot of issues with my teeth as a child and a lot of anxiety about going to the dentist. A friend referred me to Dininno Family Dental at age 19 and it was one of best decisions I've made. I look forward to going to the office for my cleanings and preventative check-ups. My son has been coming here since he was 2 years old and also has beautiful, healthy teeth. The staff is so competent and caring you truly feel as though you are family. When you run a business and you have low turnover with staff, that tells me something. Looking forward to the next 34 with Dr. Nicholas and family❤️ "nothing you wear is more important than your smile"
- Susan S
Patient Review By Lauren B
This office is really the best and I always recommend the office to anyone looking for a great dentist! The worst part is not being able to finish your conversations because they have to work! --Tina, Amy, Chris, and Nicks!
- Lauren B
Patient Review By MISSY E
I have been a lifelong patient of Dr. Nick. I started with him when I was 12 years old and he was fresh out of school. I am one of those people that love going to the dentist, but only because he is my dentist. Though the practice has expanded and evolved they still provide the same great care that I have always known. You are more than just a patient in their seat you are the most important person to them. I have referred many people to this practice and will continue to do so. The new Dr. Nick is just as great as the Original Dr. Nick and I look forward to a long dentist/patient relationship with him. #dininnofamilydentalisthebest
- MISSY E
Patient Review By Walter P
have been seeing Dr. Nick for over 33 years and know he always has the best interests of his patients first. And it has been a pleasure having his son, Nick continue the fine services his father started. Thank you
- Walter P
Patient Review By Walter P
have been going to Dr. Nick Sr. For 33 years. I know he always has the patients well being with everything he does. His son, Nick has the same great knowledge with patients. It's a joy to have them as my dentists.
- Walter P
