Are Porcelain Fillings the Right Choice for You?

Porcelain fillings are ideal for repairing if you have a damaged or decayed tooth. These custom-made fillings are highly durable and best for larger cavities. Not only do they mimic the natural tooth color, but they also have a more extensive lifespan than composite fillings.

Porcelain inlays and onlays make suitable replacements for older fillings that have been broken or cracked. The inlays help repair damage on the tooth's biting surface. Whereas onlays often help when the tooth's harsh structure and chewing cusps require repair. Continue reading to learn more about porcelain fillings and the distinction between inlays and onlays.

Which Dental Filling is Best for you?

This question's response largely depends on the individual's cosmetic and dental care requirements. Budget, the location in the mouth where fillings are required, and the presence of allergies may all play a role in the choice. 

Instead of dental fillings, a dentist may sometimes recommend dental crowns or caps to restore severely damaged teeth.

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays help repair teeth damaged due to decay or trauma. These dental filling options are much stronger than other materials and provide excellent restoration to damaged teeth.

Dental inlays and onlays are great ways to restore the tooth's normal function, such as chewing. However, the type of dental filler depends on the need of the patient. When the inner tooth cavity needs to fill, it is an inlay. Whereas, if the outer tooth structure and the cusp need filling, the dental filling is known as an onlay. The porcelain inlays and onlays are usually favorable when:

• The tooth can't support a white filling due to too little structure.
• There is enough tooth to avoid placing a crown.

How Many Dental Visits Do You Require?

Porcelain fillings are made from a ceramic polymer material and placed over or into a cavity. Unlike composite resin fillings, these dental fillings are manufactured in a lab before they apply to teeth.

These are custom-made fillings and often require more than one visit to the dentist. On the first visit, the dentist cleans out the decayed part of the tooth. After that, he takes an impression of the tooth's space. Then, a temporary filling prevents the tooth from further decay.

Meanwhile, dental technicians create your dental inlays or onlays in the lab, and you must wait for the next appointment. Upon your second visit, the dentist places the porcelain inlays or onlays onto or into your teeth. Finally, you go home, filling your cavity with a porcelain filling that lasts about 15 years.

This dental filling halts the progression of decay, and your tooth comes to its normal functioning. Moreover, it acts as a barrier against further deterioration or bacterial growth and saves your tooth in the future. Do not overthink visiting your dentist if you have a damaged or decayed tooth. Being proactive towards your dental needs is essential to save you costs in the long run.

Notable Advantages of Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are most suitable for patients with special needs. These include people having larger dental cavities, those who grind their teeth, or those who can't live without coffee or tea. The strength of porcelain fillings is unmatchable to other dental fillings.

Dental inlays and onlays are ideal for people with more prominent space for fillings. These fillings are durable and do not break even if people are fond of eating hard or crunchy foods.

Moreover, porcelain fillings are best for people who are fond of drinking tea and coffee. These fillings are less likely to stain or become discolored. Other notable advantages of porcelain fillings are listed below.

• Less toxic and does not contain mercury.
• Mimics the natural tooth color.
• Very strong and durable.
• Won't expand or contract.
• Bonds well to the patient's natural tooth.

Conclusion

Porcelain fillings are worth it and provide an excellent restorative option. However, they are costly but are better value for the money. So, if you are looking for a dental filling that lasts long and is more stain-resistant, porcelain fillings are simply the best.

Contact your dentist in Walnut Creek, Dr. Darvishzadeh, at Walnut Creek Dental to learn more about Porcelain Fillings.

Resource:

Who Should Go For Composite Fillings?

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.