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Cavities & Fillings
There are many ways to restore (fill) cavities due to many recent advancements in the materials and science of dentistry.
Tooth Colored Composites
These are usually one, two or three surface restorations that are composed of a matrix and microscopic filler particles. Composites are relatively economical and require one appointment to be placed. On the down side, they tend to stain and develop decay around their borders over time. If the cavity is small, a tooth colored composite is the most sensible restoration.
 Tooth Colored Fillings
Dental Fillings Facts
Porcelain Inserts (¾ crowns, inlays and onlays)
For teeth that have larger cavities and that involve multiple surfaces, the restoration of choice is a porcelain insert. Essentially, a porcelain insert is an extremely strong piece of porcelain that fits in a “puzzle piece-like” fashion into the area where the cavity used to be. Porcelain does not stain like composite and is a very strong and long lasting material. Due to its glass-like properties, porcelain is a very natural looking restoration that is virtually indistinguishable from a healthy tooth. Porcelain inserts are pricier than composites and usually require two appointments to be completed.
Crowns
A crown is a restoration that circumferentially holds the tooth together and is usually indicated where a large portion of the tooth is either decayed, missing or has a failing composite or amalgam (old silver filling). Crowns are also indicated if the tooth has undergone root canal therapy whereby it has been devitalized and rendered brittle.
A crown is a two appointment procedure. A temporary crown is fabricated at the end of the first appointment when an impression (mold) is also taken of the prepared tooth. On the second quick appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is seated and adjusted. A radiograph (x-ray) is also taken to ensure that the restoration is fully seated and sealed.
CAPTEK crowns are the ideal crown of choice as they has been proven to be healthier and stronger than a traditional porcelain-fused to metal crowns. According to different studies, a CAPTEK crown accumulates 74-92% less bacteria than a traditional PFM (porcelain-fused to metal) crown or even a healthy non-restored tooth. CAPTEK crowns are also very cosmetic in that they have a very natural appearance that is devoid of the dark gum line defect (oxidation) that many older crowns tend to exhibit over time.
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