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 David & Malvina N
We have been with Dr. Nick (the father) since he graduated from dental school! That was many years ago and we're still with him. Our daughters & son went to him as children and still go to him as adults and now with their children. so 3 generations have been going to him and now also to his son. As you can see, we think they are GREAT!!
- David & Malvina N
Patient Review By Cathy S
I have been a patient here for over 25 years. When I came to Dr. Nick at age 32 my teeth were a mess and I was terrified of dentists. I needed all kinds of work from regular fillings to root canals. I can honestly say that with Dr. Nick's care and advice I have better teeth now than I had at age 30. It is because of Dr. Nick that I have my own teeth today. The staff has always been friendly, helpful and are now like old friends. I highly recommend both Dr. Nick and his son. They are kind, patient and excellent dentists.
- Cathy S
Patient Review By Bill C
This place is great! The staff is friendly and professional They really make you feel welcome. I've had a couple of procedures and never experienced any pain. Highly recommended!
- Bill C
Patient Review By Duane H
I have been a patient of Dr. "Nick" since 1980. I was petrified of Dentist visits from previous bad experiences with Dentists as a child. Dr. Nick showed gentleness, friendliness, and attention to my needs. Over the years I have come to respect and consider Nick as a friend. He is truly one of the best in his field and his staff are outstanding from the front of house to the technical support. I highly recommend DiNinno Family Dental and the staff to anyone looking for the best treatment available. And Nick, if you ever think of retiring...... Forget about it!!!!!!! Duane H
- Duane H
Patient Review By Sarah B
From my very first visit at the office, I was made to feel welcome and comfortable both by the friendly aptitude of the staff and the pleasant environment of the office itself. The staff is very courteous and professional. Each time I arrive I feel I receive VIP treatment; never any waiting for appointments, welcoming you by your first name as you walk in the door. Dr. Nick and Nicholas are exceptionally professional and made my experiences very pleasant. They are very thorough in explaining procedures and answering any questions you may have. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
- Sarah B
Patient Review By Carol G
I've been a patient since Dr. Nick first started his practice in 1978. All of my family members are long time patients of DiNinno Family Dental. Both Dr. Nicks are great dentists and their hygenists, assistants, and staff are professional and friendly.
- Carol G
Patient Review By Tom B
We (my wife and daughters included) have been regular patients of DiNinno Family Dental for more than 25 years. The care given our family has been wonderful. The staff is extremely courteous, our appointments are worked around our schedules, and the skill and expertise performed is second to none. Dr. DiNinno will sit down with you to describe the problem, if there is one, and give you options as to how to treat it. He works with you to provide excellent dental care, both short term and long term. Dr. DiNinno has provided orthodontics work for our daughters and my wife and the results have been outstanding. We've been extremely pleased. And with the very capable Dr. Nicholas DiNinno III joining the practice, the future looks very bright indeed for our dental needs.
- Tom B
Patient Review By Paul M
Dr Nick has taken care of my teeth for years from filings to extractions. He has taken care of my girls teeth including braces with some challenging bites....a success across the board! Great staff, great facility and now with his son, Dr Nicholas on board, their great care continues through to the next generation.
- Paul M
Patient Review By Eric D
I made the switch to DiNinno Family Dental a few years ago. I’ve found the staff to be the most friendly and welcoming of any dental office I’ve been a patient. At other dental offices, I used to get the feeling I was just a number and the dentist really wasn’t concerned about me (like getting an oil change). Now with DiNinno Family Dental, visiting the dentist is a pleasurable & relaxing experience! Most importantly-- I’ve never been in any discomfort through a handful of procedures.
- Eric D
Patient Review By Christina D
I have been going to DiNinno Family Dental all of my life. I have had braces, fillings, cleanings, and extractions. With every visit I feel very welcomed and comfortable; the staff really focus on me. I have a wonderful smile to prove it! It's like I'm a member of the family!
- Christina D
