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Dental Fillings in Washington, DC

At University Centre Dental Associates, Dr. Maurice Haynes offers dental fillings as part of his top-notch general dental services for local residents in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are used to fill small or medium-sized cavities in otherwise healthy teeth. Fillings can be made from one of a number of filling materials, including casted gold, silver (amalgam), composites, glass ionomer, or ceramic.

The Types of Materials

Cast Gold Fillings

Cast gold fillings are a very strong filling material which can last 15 to 20 years. Not only does the filling stand up against the forces of chewing, many consider it more aesthetic than fillings made of silver or amalgam. However, these fillings are also quite expensive, often costing 10 times as much as a standard silver filling. Plus, it typically takes two visits to the dentist to fill a tooth with this type of material.

Silver Fillings

Silver fillings, also referred to as amalgam fillings, can last longer than tooth-colored or composite fillings. Like cast gold, silver is able to stand up to the force of chewing. Plus, the metal fillings are less costly than their tooth-colored counterparts.

However, the fillings are silver colored and over time they can cause the tooth to exhibit a greyish hue. Over time, the fillings can cause the tooth around the filling to exhibit a gray-like hue.

Composite or Tooth-colored Fillings

Most patients like composite or tooth-colored fillings as the filling material can be made to closely match the surrounding tooth. Composites are, therefore, often placed in the front of the mouth, or where the teeth can be visually seen.

In addition, these kinds of fillings are designed to bond chemically to the structure of the tooth, thereby supplying additional support. Composite fillings are used to restore decayed teeth as well as teeth that have been worn down, chipped, or broken. Less of the tooth structure has to be sacrificed when using this filling material.

Composite fillings do not last as long as silver fillings and generally can be maintained for about five to seven years. Dental visits also take longer when this kind of material is used.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer is another tooth-colored filling material. It is made of acrylic and glass. Used to fill cavities below the gum or designed for cavities in children’s teeth, the fillings release fluoride, which safeguards the filled tooth from future decay. However, the material does not hold up like a composite filling and, therefore, is more likely to fracture.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are more stain-resistant than composite fillings. However, the dental material is also more abrasive. Ceramic fillings, which last 15 to 20 years, are priced similarly to gold.

How Is a Tooth Filled?

Filling a tooth is usually a relatively short process. First, the filling site is numbed with a local anesthetic. The dentist will then check to make sure that all the decay is removed before prepping the area. The cavity is cleaned of any debris or bacteria.

If a composite filling is used, the dentist will apply the filling in layers. A special curing light is used to harden the individual layers as they are applied. When all the layers have been applied, the filling is shaped, and leftover material is trimmed. All fillings are polished in the final stage of the process.

Why Choose Dr. Maurice Haynes of University Centre Dental Associates?

Dr. Maurice Haynes stays up-to-date on the newest advances and technologies in the field of dentistry in order to provide his patients with the best care possible. He combines excellent dental services with compassion and is an active member of the American Dental Association.

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost in Greenbelt, MD?

The cost for dental fillings varies. Please schedule a consultation with University Centre Dental Associates to discuss your particular case.

Your dental insurance may cover the cost of dental fillings. Because every policy is different, the staff at University Centre Dental Associates will review your information and help determine the status of your dental fillings coverage.

We provide financing through CareCredit® as an option for any out-of-pocket dental fillings costs you may have. University Centre Dental Associates also offers a variety of payment methods to help make the process easier for our dental fillings patients.

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How Do I Schedule a Consultation?

Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!The general dental and orthodontic services we offer at University Centre Dental Associates have improved the lives of people from in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County. Whether you are an adult, a child, or a teenager, our knowledgeable staff is committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!