Dental Fillings
No matter how you strive to take good care of your teeth, a dental filling may be necessary to keep teeth healthy. If you feel discomfort or pain in a tooth, it’s important to head in to West Vancouver Dental to prevent more serious problems. This will give us a chance to get to know you and to address your needs with your comfort in mind.
There are two basic options for fillings, which include amalgam (often called silver fillings) and composite fillings. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and Vancouver, Washington dentist Dr. Melany Mallet will advise you on the best options regarding which dental filling is right for you after listening to your needs and concerns.
Whether you choose an amalgam (or silver) filling, or tooth-colored fillings, Dr. Melany will provide the dental care you need to keep your smile healthy.
Amalgam Restorations
Amalgam fillings, also known as “silver” fillings, are durable restorations that last well over time. These fillings have been used consistently and safely for over seventy years. Less expensive than composite, amalgam fillings are often covered by insurance and tend to be faster to place. However, amalgam fillings can lead to discoloration, an occasional metallic taste, and minimal mercury exposure.
Tooth-Colored Restorations
Like amalgam fillings, tooth-colored composite fillings replace the foundational structure in a tooth. Unlike amalgam, composite fillings come in a variety of shades to match surrounding teeth. These fillings can be completed in one office visit and can significantly improve a tooth’s appearance. However, composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam and may not be totally covered by insurance.
Dental Crowns
If a dental filling is not a good option to prevent further decay and eliminate pain and discomfort, Dr. Melany may recommend a dental crown to improve the health of a tooth. Dental crowns support damaged teeth and fix functional chewing problems while providing a natural-looking smile. Crowns are constructed from materials such as high-grade porcelain, ceramic, gold, or porcelain bonded to gold.
Fitting a crown usually requires one visit at West Vancouver Dental, where Dr. Melany Mallet will eliminate decay, shape the tooth as need, then scan and fabricate the definitive crown while you wait, using CAD-CAM technology. In some cases, depending on crown material choice, it still may be necessary to fit your tooth with a temporary crown and return for placement of the definitive crown at another visit. The crown will then be cemented into place to become part of your smile!
Our Location
West Vancouver Dental
117 E 39th St
Vancouver, WA 98663
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (360) 694-7931