Did you know there are as many types of dental fillings and teeth bonding as there are flavors of ice cream? Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. Still, when you visit the dentist with a cavity, there are many filling options. Most of us just sit in the chair, open our mouths, and let the dentist work his or her magic. But have you ever stopped to consider what the dentist is filling and restoring your decayed or broken tooth with?
Five types of dental fillings
There are five basic kinds of dental filing material. The dentist decides which type to use based on the degree of the decay, the cost of the material, and the type of dental insurance you have.
- Dental amalgam, or silver fillings, have been used to fill cavities for more than 150 years. Dental amalgam is the most common type of dental filling. It’s strong, durable, and less expensive than other types.
- Composite fillings, or white fillings, are popular because the color matches the rest of your teeth. Composite fillings are a combination of resin and plastic. They are more aesthetically pleasing than silver fillings but are also less durable.
- Ceramic fillings are durable and visually appealing (tooth-colored), but they are expensive. They are made of porcelain and have been shown to be resistant to staining.
- Glass ionomers are typically used on children whose teeth are still changing. Constructed from glass and acrylic, glass ionomers are designed to last fewer than five years. The benefit of these dental fillings is that they release fluoride, which protects the changing tooth from further decay.
- Unless you’re a rock or movie star, gold fillings aren’t common. While a gold filling is durable, non-corrosive, and can last more than 15 years, it not only takes more than one dental visit to place, but, as you can imagine, it is expensive.
Dental Bonding and Fillings in Summerlin, Nevada
For more information about fillings, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marianne Cohan, please give us a call at our convenient Summerlin Dental office!
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GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Best Dental Fillings in Summerlin
Q1: What type of fillings does Summerlin Dental Solutions use?
We use tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend with your natural tooth color. We also offer porcelain inlays and onlays for larger restorations. Dr. Cohan does not place mercury amalgam fillings — all restorations are metal-free and aesthetic.
Q2: How much does a dental filling cost in Las Vegas?
Tooth-colored composite fillings at Summerlin Dental Solutions typically cost $150 to $350 per tooth depending on the size and location. Most dental insurance plans cover fillings at 70 to 80 percent under basic restorative benefits.
Q3: Are white fillings as durable as silver amalgam fillings?
Modern composite fillings have improved dramatically in strength. They bond directly to tooth structure, actually reinforcing the remaining tooth. For most cavities, composites perform comparably to amalgam and offer the obvious aesthetic advantage of being invisible.
Q4: How long does a tooth-colored filling last?
Typically 7 to 15 years depending on size, location, your bite force, and your oral hygiene habits. Regular checkups at Summerlin Dental Solutions allow Dr. Cohan to monitor filling integrity and replace them before problems develop.
Q5: Does getting a filling hurt?
No. Dr. Cohan uses local anesthesia so you feel no pain during the procedure. Most patients describe only slight pressure. For anxious patients, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation are available at Summerlin Dental Solutions.
Q6: Can my old silver fillings be replaced with white ones?
Yes. Dr. Cohan follows safe mercury removal protocols including high-volume evacuation and rubber dam isolation. Old amalgam fillings are carefully removed and replaced with tooth-colored composites or porcelain restorations.
Q7: How does Dr. Cohan detect cavities that need fillings?
AI-assisted diagnostic technology reviews every X-ray alongside Dr. Cohan, identifying early-stage decay that might be invisible to the human eye alone. Catching a cavity early means a smaller, less expensive filling rather than a larger restoration later.
Q8: Will my filling match the color of my teeth?
Yes. Composite resin comes in dozens of shades that Dr. Cohan carefully matches to your natural tooth color. Once placed and polished, the filling is virtually undetectable — even to you.
Q9: Can I eat right after getting a composite filling?
Yes. The composite material is fully hardened by a curing light before you leave the chair. You can eat as soon as the numbness from anesthesia wears off, which is usually 1 to 3 hours. Avoid very hard or sticky foods on the new filling for 24 hours.
Q10: What should I do if a filling falls out or cracks?
Call Summerlin Dental Solutions at (702) 341-9160 promptly. Avoid chewing on that side, keep the area clean, and use temporary dental filling material from the pharmacy if needed. Do not delay — an exposed tooth is vulnerable to further decay and sensitivity.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
