If you have a tooth that is decayed, then your dentist will suggest using a filling to repair it. However there are different types of filings that may be used so what are the options?
Tooth Coloured Composite Resin Restorations
These are very popular and can look fantastic. Composite resin is a type of hard wearing plastic and this material comes in lots of different shades and even different translucencies so your dentist will be able to design a restoration that will closely mimic your natural tooth. The material is carefully applied in small increments and is hardened before being shaped and polished. One of the great advantages of composite resin is its excellent biocompatibility with your natural teeth. This material is useful for restoring small to medium-sized cavities and it will bond extremely well to your tooth, sealing out bacteria and protecting the tooth against further decay. However it may not be so great for larger areas of decay.
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain inlays and onlays are very hard wearing although they may cost a little more than composite resin restorations. Porcelain restorations are extremely good for larger areas of decay where additional strength is needed to repair a tooth. If your dentist were to use a composite resin restoration, there is the risk that the forces created during chewing could end up cracking the tooth. There are two different ways porcelain restorations can be made. Your dentist may prepare the tooth before taking an impression that is then sent to a laboratory so they can fabricate the inlay or onlay, or it’s possible your dentist may have what’s called a CEREC machine.
What is CEREC and How Can It Be Used to Make Inlays and Onlays?
This is a machine that uses CAD/CAM technology to create your inlay or onlay while you wait so treatment can be completed during one visit. Your tooth will still need to be prepared in exactly the same way but instead of an impression your dentist will scan the tooth with a tiny camera. The information from the camera is sent to a computer and is used to design your new porcelain restoration. Once the design is complete, it’s sent to the CEREC milling machine and is used to create your restoration from a solid block of extremely strong porcelain. Once the porcelain restoration has been milled, it is hand finished and either polished or glazed.
CEREC inlays and onlays are extremely strong and hard wearing so there is certainly no compromise on quality by opting for this more immediate type of restoration. It is extremely convenient as there will be no need for you to have a temporary filling that would otherwise need to remain in place for two weeks or so until your permanent restoration was completed. It’s also a very good system for anyone who hates or who find it difficult to have a dental impression taken. Some people have quite strong gag reflexes and the use of a camera to scan the tooth eliminates the need for an impression.
Yours in oral health,
Dr Violeta Claus