What Are Ceramic Fillings?
Ceramic fillings, also known as ceramic inlays or onlays, are dental restorations used to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. These dental fillings are crafted from biocompatible ceramic materials and customized to match the natural color and shape of your teeth seamlessly.
Ceramic fillings are often recommended for:
- Small to moderate-sized cavities
- Patients seeking a natural-looking appearance
- Those with metal allergies or sensitivities
Types of Ceramic Materials
At Advanced Restorative Dentistry, we offer ceramic fillings made from the following materials:
- Porcelain: Porcelain dental fillings are commonly used for their exceptional strength and aesthetics.
- Zirconia: Zirconia dental fillings are known for their exceptional durability and biocompatibility.
Benefits of Ceramic Fillings
Choosing ceramic fillings for your restoration offers numerous advantages, including:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Ceramic fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Durability: Ceramic restorations are highly resistant to wear and fracture.
- Biocompatibility: Ceramic dental filling materials are well-tolerated by the body.
- Minimally Invasive: Placing ceramic filling material requires less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to gold fillings and silver fillings.
The Ceramic Filling Process
At our Honolulu dental practice, Dr. Nishime follows a meticulous process to ensure the best possible outcome for your ceramic filling. Here’s what you can usually expect:
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Dr. Nishime will assess the extent of tooth damage and discuss treatment options, including ceramic tooth-colored fillings.
- Tooth Preparation: The damaged tooth is carefully prepared by removing the weakened and decayed portion while preserving the healthy tooth structure.
- Impression and Temporary Filling: An impression is taken to create a customized ceramic filling. A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent restoration is fabricated.
- Custom Fabrication: The ceramic filling is expertly crafted in a dental laboratory to precise specifications, including color and shape.
- Bonding and Cementation: Once the custom filling is ready, you’ll return for your next appointment. Dr. Nishime will bond the ceramic filling to the prepared tooth using dental cement, ensuring a secure fit and a beautiful, natural-looking result.
Ceramic Fillings vs. Other Filling Materials
Ceramic vs. Silver Amalgam Fillings
- Aesthetics: Ceramic fillings have a more natural appearance than amalgam fillings, which use metals.
- Durability: Ceramic is more durable and less prone to expansion/contraction.
- Biocompatibility: Ceramic is metal-free and biocompatible compared to amalgam.
Ceramic vs. Composite Resin Fillings
- Aesthetics: Both offer excellent aesthetics, but ceramics may be more stain-resistant
- Durability: Ceramics are generally stronger and longer-lasting
- Tooth Preparation: Less tooth removal is required for composite fillings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramic fillings are highly stain-resistant, but it’s advisable to avoid excessive consumption of stain-causing substances like coffee and red wine.
Yes, ceramic fillings are an excellent choice for front teeth due to their natural appearance and durability.
On average, high-quality ceramic porcelain fillings last about 10 to 15 years, but some can last much longer with proper care and regular dental visits.
Natural Beauty, Lasting Strength: Call Now For Ceramic Fillings in Honolulu!
If you’re in need of a cavity repair or seeking a natural-looking and long-lasting solution, don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Michael Nishime and our skilled team in Honolulu offer ceramic dental fillings to restore the health and beauty of your smile. Call our office today at (808) 732-0291 to schedule your appointment and discover the benefits of ceramic fillings for yourself. Dr. Nishime and our team are here to help patients from Honolulu, Kailua, O’ahu, Kapolei, and surrounding areas achieve optimal oral health.