Metal-Free Fillings and Crowns
For many decades, silver metal fillings and crowns lined with metal were the go-to options where a strong and durable repair needed to be made. Today, thanks to advances in the durability and appearance of materials like composite resin, ceramic, and porcelain, patients have more aesthetic options to turn to.
At Cambridge Dental, Dr. Mark A. Gaona uses only metal-free tooth fillings and dental crowns for his Glendale patients. These materials are long-lasting and allow our dentist to restore your oral health and the function and appearance of your smile.
The Importance of Filling Decayed Teeth
Tooth decay develops when bacteria-filled plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your teeth. When a cavity develops, it’s crucial to fill it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the decay advances until it reaches the inner portion of your tooth where the nerves and dental pulp are located. You may develop a severe toothache and are at great risk of developing an infection that requires a root canal to fix.
Using tooth-colored composite resin allows Dr. Gaona to create a strong, durable filling and virtually invisible repair. Because our fillings are made of tiny particles of glass and resin, they look similar to tooth enamel. When we match the shade of the filling to surrounding teeth, even you won’t be able to tell where the filling ends and your tooth begins!
Dental Crowns: When a Filling Isn’t Enough
There are cases where decay or damage to the tooth is so extensive that a filling won’t be sufficient to protect it. In this case, Dr. Gaona would recommend a dental crown instead.
A dental crown is a small tooth cap that covers the entire tooth up to the gumline. Because it’s made of durable ceramic, the crown absorbs chewing forces to protect the damaged tooth. And since it’s all-ceramic, there’s no metal line near the gums to mar your smile.
Some other reasons we use dental crowns are to:
- Restore a severely decayed tooth
- Strengthen a cracked or broken tooth
- Protect a tooth after root canal treatment
- Restore function to a dental implant
Since our porcelain dental crowns are so aesthetic, our dentist can also use them to make cosmetic adjustments, such as concealing a poorly shaped or sized tooth.
Getting a dental crown is a straightforward process that typically involves two visits to our Glendale dental office spaced 2-3 weeks apart. During the first, Dr. Gaona removes a layer of tooth enamel to prepare it to receive the crown, takes dental impressions, and creates a temporary crown to wear while a custom dental lab prepares your crown.
When the crown is ready, you’ll return to Cambridge Dental so that Dr. Gaona can remove the temporary, adjust the new crown as needed to fit your dental bite, and cement the restoration securely in place.
Do You Need a Tooth Filling or Dental Crown?
Our beautiful metal-free crowns and fillings restore your oral health and the appearance of your smile, and provide many years of use when cared for properly. If you have a cavity or broken tooth, call our Glendale dental office so Dr. Gaona can determine how best to help you.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Mark A. Gaona
Dr. Mark A. Gaona is an Arizona native and attended Arizona State University, where he majored in zoology and graduated summa cum laude. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), graduating with high honors.
"By the time I was in high school, I knew that I wanted to become either a physician or dentist. What influenced me most was how much I respected my family dentist and orthodontist; they both truly enjoyed their work and were dedicated to ...
Metal-Free Fillings and Crowns Technology
Intraoral Cameras
When you have a dental exam, do you ever wish you could see what your dentist sees to understand your oral health condition? We think it’s crucial for our patients to be involved and informed about their oral health, and state-of-the-art intraoral cameras simplify the process.
During your six-month checkup, Dr. Gaona uses an intraoral camera so you can see what he sees. With incredible features like LED lighting, a rotating head, and powerful magnifying capabilities, he can examine your mouth, teeth, and gums in extreme detail. Because Dr. Gaona shares the images with you, you can easily see problems like cavities, broken teeth, or broken fillings.
Being informed and understanding your oral health needs helps you make confident, educated decisions about your dental treatment. We can also save the images to your patient record, so they are instantly available for reference or to share with specialists or insurance providers.