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 Cammie C
I have been a patient for over 25 years and I would never consider going anywhere else. Exceptional care in a relaxed setting!
- Cammie C
Patient Review By Cammie C
I have been a patient for over 25 years and I would never consider going anywhere else. Exceptional care in a relaxed setting!
- Cammie C
Patient Review By Kim M
I have nothing but good things to say about DiNinno Family Dental! I have been a Patient of Dr. Nick for more than 30 years and would not trust another dentist with my dental care or that of my children. Dr. Nick takes special care to provide a "near" painless experience, and a comfortable, anxiety-free atmosphere for those (like me) who have fear of dental procedures. I have also had the care of Dr. Nicholas, and he is also very meticulous and caring. The staff is always kind and patient. The entire staff takes the time to explain procedures, costs, and time needed for appointments.I highly recommend both Doctors to friends and family! Hope to still be a patient for another 30 years!
- Kim M
Patient Review By Dan S
I first became a patient of Dr. Nick back in 1978 when he started practicing dentistry on Main street in Fitchburg. I was impressed by his skill, knowledge, calm disposition, easy going personality, and his awesome Dental Hygienists! They take time to know each and every patient. Dr. Nick actually listens to his patients and freely discusses treatment options - addressing their concerns and partnering with them on treatment options. The office staff does everything they can to accommodate schedules and payment concerns. Over the years, my wife and children have also become patients. So now our appointments feel more like a family reunion than a doctor's appointment.
- Dan S
Patient Review By Ann Louise S
We have been going to Dr. DiNinno for the past 30 years. We definitely recommend Dr. Nick and his staff. Dr. Nick is an excellent dentist and trust me I should know, I have had a lot of dental work done in 30 years. I also have to mention we have a daughter with special needs and she loves going to Dr. Nick and his hygienists. They are very kind, caring and patient. Our children and grandchildren all go to DiNinno Family Dental. I give them all an A+ at DiNinno Family Dental.
- Ann Louise S
Patient Review By Ann Louise S
We have been going to Dr. DiNinno for the past 30 years. We definitely recommend Dr. Nick and his staff. Dr. Nick is an excellent dentist and trust me I should know, I have had a lot of dental work done in 30 years. I also have to mention we have a daughter with special needs and she loves going to Dr. Nick and his hygienists. They are very kind, caring and patient. Our children and grandchildren all go to DiNinno Family Dental. I give them all an A+ at DiNinno Family Dental.
- Ann Louise S
Patient Review By carol-lynne p
Have been a patient for 30 years. My family and I love everyone at the practice. Everyone is always so nice. Both Dr. Nicks are very gentle. I have recommended may people to their practice and will continue to do so.
- carol-lynne p
Patient Review By James V
I've been going to Dininno Family Dental for 30 years (along with the rest of my family). I was suffering from years of neglect at the beginning. Dr Nick devised a long term treatment plan and although it took several years due to budgeting, he completed the work and I have a great smile as a result. Both Dr's seem born to do this work. They are always smiling, you can tell they enjoy what they do. The same can be said for the hygienists and office staff. Never an issue, always efficient pleasant to work with. I highly recommend them.
- James V
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