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There are a number of ways to restore teeth that have been damaged, diseased, or decayed. These all aim to return the teeth to their normal appearance and function. Early detection is our most valuable tool to help you keep your teeth in their peak of health. During your initial visit to our office, Dr. Burba will perform a complete examination of your mouth and a full set of x-rays will be taken to reveal any problems that you may have.
Silver fillings:
Back in the old days, the only material available was amalgam (silver filling). This is a mix of silver, mercury, and several other metals that once mixed together hardens. This has had a long history of use starting well before the Revolutionary War. It hasn't changed much either! Amalgam has several disadvantages. First, it doesn't bond to the tooth. It just sits there in a lump. It chips and cracks. Once this happens it starts to leak which causes anew cavity underneath the filling where you can't brush. Amalgam also causes lots of sensitivity to cold because it is a metal and conducts that cold right down to the nerve. Besides all of these reasons, they are ugly black eyesores. We don't do these anymore because there is a better choice!
Tooth colored fillings (composites):
Now you have a better option to restore your tooth back to health! Tooth colored fillings or composites. These fillings are great! They physically and chemically bond to the tooth. What this means for you is that these fillings can reinforce the tooth. They bond weakened parts of the tooth back together so that more of your tooth can be saved. When done properly they don't leak like the silver fillings so you get less new decay underneath. Also due to this bonding, composites seal into the pores of your tooth so there is virtually no sensitivity to cold or hot afterwards. They also look terrific! You won't even be able to tell where they are when Dr. Burba is done.  Thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, you never have to settle for a silver filling again. Two Visit Fillings:
There are also fillings that are made outside your mouth and then cemented into your tooth. These are called inlays. They can also be made of several types of materials, and can be gold or tooth colored. This type of filling takes two visits to finish. At the first visit, Dr. Burba prepares the tooth and a mold or impression of your tooth is made. A temporary filling is then placed to hold the space and protect your tooth. At the second visit, the permanent filling is bonded in. These inlays are extremely strong and durable, which means that they can truly last you for a lifetime. Because they are tooth colored, they blend in so well that you can't see them at all.  Before. Old, worn out silver fillings.
 After! The new inlays bonded to the teeth.
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