Pediatric Dentistry

Our concept

DENTAL RESTORATION THERAPY

Composite filling and the tooth looks as good as new

In our practice, we provide almost exclusively composite fillings (synthetic fillings). The reasons are obvious: through the insertion technique, there is a secure and absolutely tight bond between the composite filling and the tooth, which wears the same as the natural tooth. This means a long lifespan for the filling. The composite filling further meets aesthetic expectations, since it is indistinguishable from the natural tooth.

What is a Filling?

A tooth filling (formerly: seal) is the replacement of lost dental hard tissue or sickened through tooth decay by the insertion of a filling material, with the goal of recreating a functional and cosmetically satisfying solution. Therefore we all wish, even in the case of non-visible areas, to create an optimal situation that does not reveal a defect in the affected tooth to the untrained eye.

There are fillings that incorporate plastic, like composite and amalgam fillings, as well as inlays.

Filling material Amalgam

In the past, amalgam - a mixture of mercury, silver and tin – was the filling material of choice, as it was durable and inexpensive. Today, amalgam is rarely used. The reasons for this are both aesthetic in nature, like the conspicuousness of the filling itself and the greying in places where the tooth wall is left thin, as well as discussions on the dangers of mercury in amalgam. On top of this is the dissatisfying fact that healthy tooth substance has to be sacrificed for an amalgam filling. Moreover, the use of amalgam is prohibited in Germany for children under the age of six, for pregnant women, and for those with kidney dysfunction.

Composite (sythetic) filling material

Composite fillings (synthetic fillings) are today’s standard. In colloquial speech, they are also called ceramic fillings due to their tooth-like color. In contrast to the previous amalgam filling, these are minimally invasive and always individualized.

The real dental advantage lies in the fact that this process can be carried out in a manner that is minimally invasive and highly aware of defects. With this filling technology, only the diseased, decayed tooth substance is removed. None of the healthy tooth must be sacrificed for the filling to be implanted, as is the case with amalgam fillings. The implantation of the composite material in the enamel and dentin takes place with adhesive technology (a bonding method). For a bond to be achieved, it is extremely important that both the tooth is treated and the composite material is dry.

This requirement is ensured through the dental dam technology. With this, the treated tooth is blocked off from the oral cavity. Therefore moisture and saliva cannot wet the surface of the tooth.

Following this, the composite material is inserted in single, thin layers to conform to the anatomy of the tooth and is then set in place with the aid of light.

This treatment method is very elaborate but it protects the tooth the best and it permits an optimal restoration. It is the least invasive and most aesthetically pleasing filling therapy of modern dental medicine.