Types of Dental Fillings and Taking Care of Them

With advancements in dental practice and dental care, tooth decay remains the most common dental problem that affects both children and adults. If tooth decay is not properly taken care of or treated in time, it may lead to tooth loss or abscessed gum. That’s why it is important to visit your dentist near you at least twice a year for them to conduct oral exams to detect earlier signs of tooth decay. They can prevent it by using dental sealants or treat them before they spread.

Definition of a dental filling

A dental filling is a type of treatment for tooth decay to restore its functioning and shape and prevent further decay or damage. Fillings also repair broken, chipped, or cracked teeth that may have been worn down from misuse, such as tooth grinding or nail-biting.

Types of dental fillings

There are different types of fillings available at our dental fillings in Chino, CA. Your dentist will consider the size of the decay, the location of your tooth, any allergies to the filling, and how much it will cost before recommending any dental filling. The following are some of the available choices:

  • Silver Amalgam fillings

These types of fillings are relatively inexpensive, and they are made of various materials. They are very strong and sturdy, though not aesthetically pleasing to most individuals. They have different from your teeth and can be easily noticed. It can withstand heavy chewing forces, therefore very suitable for molar teeth. Amalgam is good for areas that are difficult to keep dry, such as the gumline. It also has no allergic reaction.

  • Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are made in the laboratory after an impression of your teeth has been taken. It requires more than one appointment with your dentist. You will visit your dentist for them to be cemented to your teeth. Gold fillings are strong, durable, and relatively expensive.

  • Composite resin

Composite resins match the color of your teeth, therefore they can be placed on the front part of your teeth as they cannot be easily noticed. However, they are not suitable for large cavities as they are less durable than amalgam and can therefore chip off easily. Everything that has pros has cons, the drawback with this type of filling is that they are easily stained from food or tobacco products. They are also relatively expensive compared to amalgam fillings.

  • Porcelain Fillings

It is a type of indirect filling that requires more than one visit to the dentist. They are very similar to gold fillings. Porcelain fillings are also expensive, like gold, but it defers as porcelain is more fragile and looks like your natural teeth. With porcelain fillings, your teeth will look natural, and you will have a natural, healthier smile and appearance.

What happens when you get a dental filling?

The procedure is so simple, and it is done in a dental office. When getting dental fillings, your tooth-filling dentist will numb the area to be filled with local anesthesia. Then they will use a drill to cut through the enamel and remove the decay. As the drill hits the dentin, the dentist reduces the speed as the dentin is made up of soft tissues. The space is then shaped to prepare for the filing, and a liner or a base might be put to protect your tooth pulp. A special light hardens some composite fillings.

How can you take care of dental fillings?

Just like any dental appliance, dental fillings need to be taken good care of for them to last for a long time. Your Pomona dentist will advise you to take care of your fillings by doing the following:

  • Brush and floss at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
  • Avoid intake of sugary or sticky foods and opt for healthier ones.
  • Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouth rinse to reduce bacteria.
  • Avoid the use of tobacco products
  • Limit the intake of beverages that can stain your teeth, such as tea, coffee, or alcohol. When you use them, rinse your mouth with water immediately.
  • Avoid intake of acidic drinks like soda and juices, instead, opt for water.
  • Avoid chewing ice or hard foods
  • Adhering to regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

If you are still confused about the dental filling procedure, call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you. If you are residing in nearby communities like Chino Hills, Rolling Ridge, Pomona, Narod, and Chino Avenue, you can also visit our dentist for a consultation.



5 Benefits Of Laser Dentistry

Since the invention of lasers in the 1960s, they have largely been incorporated in everyday life all across the globe. The lasers are particularly attractive to the medical experts, ranging from surgeons to dentists. A Chino dentist will tell you that laser dentistry in Chino is not novel. It has gone one for a while, with different procedures now being more successful than ever before. Over the past couple of years, lasers have become popular in dentistry becoming commonplace for most dentists in Chino CA. If you want to know why lasers are the new best thing in dentistry, read on for that and much more.

What Is Laser Dentistry?

It is an area of dentistry that is concerned with the use of laser technology to effect change in the oral cavity. LASER is an acronym that stands for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. It is a method of conducting both invasive and non-invasive treatment plans for patients most conveniently and effectively.

Lasers feature a beam of light that is focused on a central point, thanks to the fine-pointed shape of the tool. This is why a major characteristic of laser is precision, focus, and effectiveness. A dentist near you can cut and coagulate your mouth at the same time. The results are, therefore, far much better as compared to traditional methods.

Even then, many still detest the idea of using laser technology. While this concept has existed for many years, it is still taking time for all patients to be receptive of their importance is bettering dental health care.

Treatments Performed by Lasers

When lasers are used in dentistry, they can be used for two main types of procedures, that is, soft tissue and hard tissue procedures. These are the defining categories for all types of dental problems that can be treated with laser technology. Different treatments are possible through laser technology, including the following few:

  • Whitening teeth – lasers are used to speed up the bleaching process, for faster and better results.
  • Removing lesions and infections – lasers can be used to kill any harmful bacteria in your mouth. This means that tumors and lesions in your oral cavity can be removed with laser technology.
  • Gum treatments – many gum procedures are done in dentistry. Some include reshaping the gum tissue, gum grafting, gum reduction, treating periodontitis, to mention a few.
  • Tooth fillings – they are used to prepare a tooth to receive a dental filling.
  • Dentin hypersensitivity – lasers help to seal tubules in the roots of sensitive teeth, hence reducing hypersensitivity.
  • Detecting dental decay and cavities in the early stages.

Top 5 Benefits Of Laser Dentistry

Now that you understand what lasers are, here is a breakdown of the top 5 benefits of using them in dentistry:

  • Versatility – lasers make for versatile tools to be used in dentistry. They can be used to conduct different treatments, ranging from non-invasive procedures like teeth whitening to surgical procedures like gum grafting and reshaping. A dentist near you will always find a way to make good use of the laser tools.
  • Tissue protection – when a d surgical dental procedure is performed, some of the healthy tissues end up being damaged during the dental works. However, with the use of lasers, there is minimal invasion when operating on a patient. The precision offered by the focused beam of light reduces damage to the healthy tissues.
  • Reduced pain and discomfort – while lasers are not painless, they are a lot more comfortable than traditional methods. Technically, precision reduces the surface of impact. This then reduces the need for local anesthesia during procedures.
  • Speedy healing and recovery – once your procedure is done the only thing in your mind is the healing process. Most patients can’t wait to get back in their fit and resume their normal lives. With laser dentistry, there is less swelling and bleeding, because if minimal invasion during the procedure. This translates to a short and relatively smooth healing process as compared to traditional methods.
  • Faster procedure – your treatments do not have to take an entire day before you are discharged from the dental facility. Laser tools work with precision, allowing the attending dental expert to work faster and more effectively than ever.

If your dentist has recommended laser treatment and if you are planning for the same, call us now to schedule a consultation with our dentist near you and learn more about the benefits of laser dentistry. We also cater to patients residing in nearby communities like Pomona, Chino Hills, Chino, Spadra, Rolling Ridge, Ontario, Narod, Ballou, and Ontario Ranch.



Dental Exam and Cleaning Is Important for Your Kids Teeth

When it comes to preventive dental care for children, regular dental exams are a critical part. During the dental exam the dentist in Chino, CA, or a dental hygienist will clean your child’s teeth and evaluate his or her risk of tooth decay. To reduce the risk of decay the dentist may also apply dental sealants or provide fluoride treatments. X-rays and other diagnostic procedures will also be included in the exam.

Your child’s diet and oral hygiene habits will be discussed by the dentist or dental hygienist who may also demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Other discussions may include preventing oral injuries or the health risks posed by tobacco, substance abuse, and oral piercings for adolescents.

Why Are These Appointments Necessary?

Protecting your child’s oral health is the goal of regular dental health exams. They allow your child’s dentist to identify problems early when they can be treated easily. The dentist can even provide tips to care for your child’s teeth.

When Must the Exams Be Had?

Different factors may determine how frequently your child needs to undergo a dental exam. The factors may include age, health, and risks associated with tooth decay. It is suggested that you consider the following guidelines:

  • From age 6 months until one year. It has been recommended by the American Dental Association & the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that a child’s first dental exam must be scheduled no later than after the first tooth erupts or before the first birthday. Your baby’s teeth and gums will be examined during the well-baby checkups.
  • Toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has recommended regular dental checkups with the most frequent interval being every six months. However, dentists are known to recommend fewer or more frequent checkups after looking at your child’s risk factors for oral problems.

How to Prepare for Dental Exam and Cleanings for Children?

Before scheduling your child’s first dental exam and cleaning, you must determine whether you will be comfortable visiting the family dentist or prefer to visit a pediatric dentist who is a professional that can provide specialized oral and dental care for children of all ages beginning from infants to teenagers. Pediatric dentists have kid-friendly offices and are equipped with equipment that is specially designed for children. When preparing to take your child for the dental exam you must:

  • Time your child’s visit to the dentist carefully — the dental exams must be scheduled at a time of the day when he or she is relaxed and likely to cooperate with the dentist.
  • Exhibit positivity — when discussing the subject of the dental exam with your child you must not include words like pain, shots, or hurt. Rather tell your child the dentist will be using special tools to ensure his or her teeth are healthy. Remind your child that you also visit your dentist without discussing any negative dental experiences that you may have had.
  • Listen to your child — encourage your child to discuss his or her worries or visiting the dentist for having a dental exam.

What Can Be Expected During the Dental Visit?

What you can expect during the dental exam will depend on the child’s age and the kind of treatment needed by the child.

For children between the ages of six months to one year, the dentist or hygienist may place your child on a table or a chair or even request you to take the child in your thighs for the exam. The dentist or hygienist will:

  • Evaluate the oral hygiene of your child along with the overall health and check upon drinking and eating habits and the risk of tooth decay.
  • Remove deposits or stains on the child’s teeth scrubbing gently with a wet toothbrush or cloth.
  • Demonstrate proper brushing techniques.
  • Assess your child’s need for fluoride and determine whether fluoride treatments are needed by the child.
  • Evaluate the results of habits like pacifier use and thumbsucking.

If your child is older he or she will receive similar treatments but the dentist or hygienist may:

  • Take dental x-rays or digital x-rays and perform other diagnostic procedures.
  • Apply dental sealants to permanent molars.
  • Repair cavities or other defects of the tooth.
  • Look for orthodontic problems in the child’s mouth.
  • Recommend pre-orthodontic treatment to straighten your child’s teeth.

Children are susceptible to developing problems with their teeth and gums and therefore it is essential that they undergo a dental exam and cleaning every six months. If your child has not had a dental exam recently it is suggested that you book an appointment with Ramona Dentistry of Chino without delay to detect and resolve any issues that may have developed. You can also visit our clinic if you are residing in Rolling Ridge, Phillips Ranch, Spadra, Pomona, Montclair, Ontario Ranch, Chino, Los Serranos, and surrounding areas.



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