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 Kristin C
Very family oriented business. All the staff are friendly and its a very relaxed, friendly environment. I highly recommend them!
- Kristin C
Patient Review By Brian M
I have been a patient of DiNinno Family Dental for a number of years. Everything about the operation, from the courteous and knowledgeable staff to the excellent care I receive each time I go, ensures that I will be a patient for life. The proactive approach the office takes to my and my families dental health is both necessary and very much appreciated. I highly recommend DiNinno Family Dental as your dental health provider!
- Brian M
Patient Review By Russ H
We have been patients of DiNinno Family Dental practice about 30 years. Dr. Nick has a great "chair-side" manner and is always concerned with patient comfort while he provides the best dental care. I can't say enough about the whole team there; they are all just great! I am almost looking forward to my next visit.
- Russ H
Patient Review By Jeff B
I have been a patient for many years & didn't start out with the best of care.. They helped work with me to get help me get things i needed done & to get me on a maintenance program that helped me improve over the years... Doctors and staff are always friendly, makes you feel like family.. and for that, i do love these people.. not to mention the quality work that they do.. I'd recommend everyone in this office.. Thank you
- Jeff B
Patient Review By Kris T
I have been a patient of DinNinno Family Dental for over 20 years. The staff is always friendly, patient and courteous of myself and family. They work hard to make sure everyone is comfortable before a procedure is done and they are aware of everything that is going to happen before it does. I would highly recommend this office to my family and friends. They are fair and honest.
- Kris T
Patient Review By Bill C
After waiting about forty years too long I gave up on getting braces and had learned to live with the discomfort caused by my overbite and pulling my lower jaw forward to compensate. The ringing in my ears was a constant reminder. I became self-conscious of my teeth to the point I wasn't smiling. Even when I thought I was smiling for the camera the photos showed barely a grin. I am a professional and interact with people on a daily basis. Metal braces were not an option. Then Dr. Nick recommended I try Invisalign. I went through 17 appliances over an eight month period. Most of the time I forgot I had them in my mouth and when I did feel them , it was pressure, but never pain. The transformation was really effortless. The best part was that unless I mentioned it, nobody ever knew I was wearing them! When the treatment was done I spent a few more hours in the chair having the Zoom whitening done. What a difference!! The end result is a huge difference not only in my bite and my smile, but in my outlook. Thank you DiNinno Family Dental.
- Bill C
Patient Review By Susan D
I came in with a unique issue having Lichen Planus an autoimmune disease that effects the cheeks and gums. i had gone to my previous dentist and my primary care physician to no avail. I felt I had to live with this very painful chronic problem. Speaking with an assistant at this office she said please let Dr Dinnio III look at your mouth.Immediately he knew what it was and had a solution. I use a very low dose steriod ointment on my gums. I felt such relief after having intense pain for two years.I cannot thank Dr D III and his team for their help.
- Susan D
Patient Review By Debbie R
My husband, daughter and I have been patients here for over 25years! Dr. Nick, Dr. Nicholas and staff are amazingly dedicated to the oral health of their patients! They have seen us through preventative, restorative and cosmetic care and we trust their skill and knowledge completely! We lived in Europe and 1/2 way across the USA and continued to receive our care here! Going to a dental appointment here is like going to visit friends!
- Debbie R
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