What are aesthetic fillings?
Aesthetic fillings replace old silver (amalgam) fillings and/or restore decayed areas of the teeth with inlays, onlays, bondings and tooth-colored fillings.
Many people still have old silver fillings which are susceptible to tooth fractures and leaking fillings. Older techniques were used to restore teeth with silver which resulted in weakening of surrounding tooth structure. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to decay and infections resulting in root canals and extensive loss of natural tooth structure.
Some patients may not favor the dark appearance of the old silver fillings and due to professional interactions or desire to create an appearance with less contrast, choose to replace their old silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings.
Dr. Loukaitis will consult with you and advise on which type of restoration is best for your particular situation.
Why you might need aesthetic fillings
- Existing fillings are old and may not provide adequate support for your tooth structure
- Old filling is leaking
- Filled tooth has cracks
- Filling has chipped
- Filled tooth has broken or fractured
- Existing silver fillings are deemed non-aesthetic
Key benefits
- Fillings have a natural color and are undetectable
- Supports and strengthens the tooth
- Helps prevent further decay
- Improved aesthetics
Process
Dr. Loukaitis work to ensure a customized outcome for each patient and always schedule an initial consultation before beginning treatment. Depending on the type of restoration, you may only need a single appointment.
If you need a lab-constructed restoration, your first appointment would involve removing the old filling and decay, make an impression for the lab to create your restoration, and a temporary restoration would be fabricated for the meantime.
At your second appointment, the final restoration would be bonded in to place.
For more information about aesthetic fillings, or to make an appointment with Dr. Loukaitis, call our office at (202) 965-0333.
