All About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a standard part of Alaska family dentistry in Wasilla. They allow your dentist to remove tooth decay and repair teeth, restoring their function and preventing additional damage.

Tooth-colored materials provide a way to restore your smile without the use of conspicuous silver fillings. Additional advancements, like Bioclear fillings, offer more tooth retention and superior results.

Many people have an idea of how dental fillings work. However, a better understanding of the science behind these materials and the processes involved in applying them can help you appreciate their role in preserving oral health.

Dental Filling Materials

Dentistry has evolved dramatically since ancient times, when tooth-filling materials were composed of mixtures of various metals. Although durable, these fillings were highly noticeable. Today, there are many far more subtle materials available to repair a cavity.

Traditional Composite

Traditional composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are made from a resin material that comes in various shades. The dentist chooses a shade that best matches the patient’s natural teeth to ensure it blends seamlessly. Composite fillings offer a discreet solution that maintains your tooth’s appearance while restoring functionality.

The Bioclear Method

The Bioclear Method also uses tooth-colored filling material, but instead of applying it in layers, it flows into the prepared surface. The results are a more durable bond and a more structurally sound restoration. 

When your dentist uses the Bioclear Method for fillings, they can preserve more of your natural tooth structure. By doing so, they can create a stronger filling that’s retained better than a traditional composite restoration.

The Filling Process

All dental fillings start the same way, regardless of the material used to complete the restoration. After numbing the treatment area, your dentist will use a handpiece to remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. This is an essential step because it prevents the decay from spreading and creates a clean surface for the filling material.

After eliminating the decay, your dentist will prepare the tooth by cleaning and disinfecting it. The specific filling material being used will determine the exact process.

The next step is placing the chosen material into the prepared tooth structure. Traditional composite materials require the use of bonding agents that help them adhere to the tooth. The dentist then places the material and shapes it using various instruments to restore the tooth’s shape and function.

Bioclear improves upon this time-tested procedure. It involves the use of a clear plastic matrix shaped like a tooth. The dentist places the matrix around the preparation and injects a warm, tooth-colored composite. The material is allowed to set before being shaped and polished to create a natural look.

Benefits of Modern Dental Fillings

Modern dental fillings offer multiple advantages over traditional options. One of the most noticeable is their more natural appearance. You’ll no longer have to worry that your dental work is the first thing people will notice about your smile. Instead, you can show it off confidently.

Newer materials also offer enhanced strength and longevity. Materials like Bioclear are more resistant to wear and can last for years with proper care. Modern dental fillings are less likely to expand and contract with temperature changes, lessening the risk of tooth damage or further decay.

Antiquated materials like amalgam require removing more of the tooth to ensure the material is retained within the tooth. Reducing the area of the natural structure results in a weaker tooth, making it more likely to break. Modern filling materials bond to the tooth, providing additional support without any structural loss.  

How Bioclear Maintains Oral Health and Aesthetics

The Bioclear Method relies on a minimally invasive technique that enhances the look of the patient’s smile. The procedure can restore tooth structure and prevent plaque buildup, while also improving gum health by forming a tight seal around the tooth. In this way, Bioclear can reduce inflammation and stimulate healthy gum tissue growth.

Because Bioclear uses tooth-colored materials, the color of the filling can be matched to the exact shade of your natural tooth. After your dentist polishes it, it will closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel, creating an organic and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Ask Your Family Dentist Near Anchorage, Alaska, About Bioclear

Valley Dental Clinic is committed to providing modern dental treatments like Bioclear. It starts with a comprehensive consultation to discuss your oral health and overall smile goals. Patients enjoy rapid results, typically completing treatment in just one visit. If you’re concerned about the health or appearance of your smile, reach out to Valley Dental Clinic. We’ll discuss the potential treatment options and offer customized solutions that provide beautiful, long-lasting results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or cleaning appointment!