Julie L. Greenlaw-O’Toole, D.D.S.

Family Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Walnut Creek CA

925-934-1340

1479 Ygnacio Valley Rd #203

Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Tel: 925.934.1340

Fax: 925.256.7790

Services

 

Questions about teeth whitening or other cosmetic dental procedures?

Call our Walnut Creek office for a consultation appointment.

Click here to read our Patient Testimonials.

A member of the California Dental Association

A member of the American Dental Association

Fillings

We are primarily a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays/onlays and Tooth-Colored Resin Restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Disadvantages of Silver fillings:

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break.  This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again.  With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth Colored Resin Restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Resin Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth.  Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

Since some of the resins used in tooth colored restorations contain fluoride, such restorations can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver fillings with a Porcelain inlays/onlays

You can have your silver fillings replaced with Porcelain inlay/onlays. This process requires two appointments.

Your First Appointment:

  • The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
  • An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
  • A temporary is placed on the tooth.

At the Lab:
An inlay or onlay is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.

Your Second Appointment:

  • The temporary is removed.
  • A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
  • Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
  • The tooth is then polished.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!