Dental fillings represent a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, addressing issues like cavities, cracked teeth, and structural damage to restore both function and aesthetics. At Digiorno Dental Fitness, a range of dental filling materials is offered to meet diverse patient needs, ensuring healthy, durable smiles. These treatments strengthen healthy tooth structure, prevent further tooth decay, and enhance oral health.
Dr. Juli Digiorno brings a unique perspective with expertise in traditional and biologic dentistry, selecting the most appropriate filling material—from tooth-colored fillings to dental amalgam—based on each patient’s health and preferences. Advanced techniques, including the BioClear method, and a commitment to safe practices, such as certified non-toxic amalgam fillings management, set this practice apart. The following sections detail how dental fillings at Digiorno Dental Fitness deliver exceptional results.
Understanding Dental Fillings: A Solution for Stronger Teeth
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth affected by tooth decay, cracks, or breaks. The process begins with the removal of the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, creating a clean foundation for the filling. This restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and ability to chew effectively. At Digiorno Dental Fitness, every filling is tailored to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible, avoiding unnecessary loss of healthy tissue.
Several types of dental filling materials are available, each with distinct benefits:
- Composite Resins: These tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making them a popular choice for visible areas.
- Porcelain and Ceramics: Durable and aesthetic, these materials resist staining and wear.
- Glass Ionomers: Often used for smaller restorations, they release fluoride to combat decay.
- Dental Amalgam: A blend of silver, copper, tin, and elemental mercury, amalgam is known for its strength in high-pressure areas like molars.
- Gold: Though less common, gold offers unmatched durability for long-term restorations.
The choice of material depends on factors like the tooth’s location, aesthetic goals, and health considerations, ensuring a personalized approach to care.
How Dental Fillings Restore and Protect Teeth
Fillings serve multiple purposes beyond repairing tooth decay. They fix cracked or broken teeth, restore chewing surfaces, and prevent further damage. For instance, a filling can stabilize a tooth that might otherwise require a dental crown if decay progresses. By strengthening healthy tooth structure, fillings help maintain proper oral hygiene and reduce the risk of complications.
Tooth sensitivity following filling placement is fairly common, often due to irritation of the tooth’s nerve. This typically resolves within days, supported by professional guidance and a healthy diet paired with proper oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor fillings, as they may not last a lifetime and could need replacement if wear, recurrent decay, or damage occurs.
Silver Fillings: The Role of Dental Amalgam
Dental amalgam fillings, composed of silver, copper, tin, and about half elemental mercury by weight, have been used for hundreds of millions of restorations due to their durability and affordability. The components of dental amalgam—a silver copper tin alloy mixed with liquid mercury—create a robust material ideal for posterior teeth under heavy chewing pressure.
Concerns about mercury in dental amalgam, such as mercury vapor release during wear, are noted in some discussions, particularly for certain high-risk populations like children especially those younger, women planning to become pregnant, or individuals with pre-existing neurological disease or sensitivity allergy to mercury. At Digiorno Dental Fitness, patient health is prioritized by offering alternatives like composite, tooth-colored resins and ensuring any amalgam fillings are handled with care, leveraging Dr. Digiorno’s certification in safe practices. Patients concerned about mercury exposure can discuss treatment options to find the best fit.
BioClear: A Modern Approach to Fillings
Dr. Juli Digiorno’s certification in the BioClear method sets Digiorno Dental Fitness apart. BioClear uses advanced composite resins to create tooth-colored fillings that are minimally invasive and aesthetically superior. This technique is ideal for addressing gaps, small cracks, or recurrent decay around existing fillings, preserving more healthy tooth structure than traditional methods. The process involves precise application of a clear matrix and biocompatible material, resulting in seamless, durable restorations that enhance the smile’s appearance.
BioClear is particularly effective for patients seeking tooth-colored fillings that resist staining and wear, offering a natural look without compromising strength. This innovative approach reflects the practice’s commitment to blending traditional and biologic dentistry for optimal outcomes.
Maintaining Fillings for Long-Term Success
To ensure fillings remain effective, healthy diet proper oral hygiene practices are crucial. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups help prevent tooth decay around fillings. Patients are advised to avoid habits like chewing hard objects, which can damage dental filling material. If a filling becomes loose, cracked, or shows signs of wear, prompt evaluation by a health care professional prevents further issues.
Fillings are not permanent, and factors like extensive decay or large restorations may necessitate replacement with a crown or other treatment. The practice’s focus on patient education ensures informed decisions about maintaining oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings
How do I know I have a cavity or need a filling?
Detecting tooth decay, commonly known as a cavity, involves recognizing signs like persistent tooth sensitivity, discomfort when chewing, or visible discoloration on the tooth surface. Regular dental exams at Digiorno Dental Fitness allow a health care professional to assess for cavities using advanced tools, ensuring early intervention with a dental filling to protect oral health. A healthy diet and a proper oral hygiene routine helps reduce cavity risk, but professional evaluation confirms the need for treatment.
How Do Dental Fillings Prevent Further Tooth Decay?
Dental fillings seal areas damaged by tooth decay, preventing bacteria from causing additional harm. By restoring the tooth’s structure, fillings maintain healthy tooth structure and support proper oral hygiene. Regular check-ups and a healthy diet further reduce the risk of recurrent decay, ensuring long-term protection.
Can Tooth Sensitivity After Fillings Be Managed?
Tooth sensitivity after a dental filling is common, often due to nerve irritation. This typically subsides within days. Maintaining a healthy diet and proper oral hygiene and following professional advice minimizes discomfort. If sensitivity persists, your local dentist can assess for issues like recurrent decay or filling adjustments.
Why Consider Tooth-Colored Fillings Over Amalgam?
Tooth-colored fillings, like those using composite resins or BioClear, blend with natural teeth for a seamless look, unlike dental amalgam with its silver appearance. They preserve more healthy tooth structure and avoid mercury in dental amalgam, appealing to patients prioritizing aesthetics and biologic dentistry principles.
How Can Amalgam Fillings Be Removed Safely?
Removing intact amalgam fillings requires care to minimize mercury vapor exposure from mercury in dental amalgam. At Digiorno Dental Fitness, Dr. Digiorno’s certification in safe removal techniques ensures amalgam fillings are handled with precision, protecting patient health, especially for those with sensitivity allergy to mercury or pre-existing neurological disease. LEARN MORE about this process in our detailed blog post on for a deeper dive into safe, non-toxic methods.
Why Digiorno Dental Fitness for Dental Fillings?
Several factors make Digiorno Dental Fitness a trusted choice for dental fillings in Folsom, Sacramento, and El Dorado Hills:
- Dual Expertise: Dr. Juli Digiorno’s training in traditional and biologic dentistry ensures fillings prioritize both health and aesthetics.
- BioClear Certification: Advanced techniques deliver superior tooth-colored fillings with minimal invasiveness.
- Safe Practices: Certified handling of amalgam fillings addresses concerns regarding the use of mercury safely
- Latest Technology: Precision tools enhance the accuracy and comfort of every procedure.
- Accessible Care: A variety of insurance benefits and flexible financing options, including CareCredit, make treatments affordable.
Our dedicated team listens to patient needs, crafting personalized plans that avoid adverse effects generally associated with dental work and promote lasting results.
Start Restoring Your Smile Today
Dental fillings at Digiorno Dental Fitness offer a reliable solution for tooth decay, cracked teeth, and other concerns, delivering stronger, healthier smiles. With options like composite resins, dental amalgam, and BioClear, every patient receives tailored care backed by expertise and innovation. Contact the office at (916) 817-6453 to schedule an appointment and learn how these services can enhance dental health and confidence.