Please note we may not offer this service at our dental office. Call Petrie Advanced Dental for more information at (253) 761-5422.
Restore Your Smile with Advanced Ceramic Dental Fillings
When tooth decay strikes, modern dentistry offers solutions that prioritize both health and aesthetics. Ceramic fillings, including porcelain inlays and onlays, provide Tacoma residents with a durable, natural-looking alternative to traditional dental filling materials. These biocompatible restorations not only repair damaged teeth but also enhance your smile’s appearance.
To discover if ceramic dental fillings are right for you, contact Petrie Advanced Dental in Tacoma, WA, by calling (253) 761-5422.
What Are Ceramic Fillings?
Ceramic fillings (also known as ceramic inlays or onlays) are premium tooth-colored fillings designed to repair decayed or damaged teeth. Unlike traditional metal fillings, these custom-crafted restorations use high-quality ceramic materials that perfectly match your natural tooth structure.
Types of Ceramic Materials for Superior Fillings
- Porcelain: Premium porcelain fillings offer exceptional strength and aesthetic qualities, mimicking the translucency of natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
- Zirconia: Known for its exceptional durability, zirconia ceramic provides maximum strength for back teeth and chewing surfaces where pressure is greatest.
Ideal Candidates for Ceramic Dental Fillings
- Patients with small to moderate-sized cavities
- Those seeking aesthetically pleasing tooth-colored fillings
- Individuals with metal allergies or sensitivities
- People looking for long-lasting dental restorations
- Tacoma residents concerned about the appearance of their smile
Benefits of Choosing Ceramic Fillings in Tacoma
Patients from Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, and surrounding areas choose ceramic fillings for several compelling reasons:
- Superior Aesthetics: Unlike silver amalgam fillings, ceramic restorations blend invisibly with your natural teeth, creating a flawless smile.
- Remarkable Durability: Ceramic porcelain fillings typically last 10-15 years—often longer than composite resin fillings—with proper care and regular dental checkups.
- Metal-Free Biocompatibility: For patients concerned about the potential health risks of metal fillings, ceramic offers a completely biocompatible alternative with no risk of allergic reactions.
- Conservative Treatment: Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to traditional fillings, preserving more of your natural teeth.
- Stain Resistant: Highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, wine, and other common substances that can discolor composite fillings over time.
The Ceramic Filling Procedure
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Our Tacoma dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, possibly using digital imaging, to assess decay and determine if ceramic fillings are the optimal solution for your specific needs.
Precision Tooth Preparation
Using minimally invasive techniques, we carefully remove only the decayed portion of your tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Digital Impressions & Temporary Protection
We take precise digital impressions of your prepared tooth to ensure perfect fit and function. A temporary filling protects your tooth until your custom ceramic restoration is ready.
Expert Laboratory Fabrication
Your custom ceramic filling is thoroughly crafted in a specialized dental laboratory, with careful attention to color matching, contour, and fit for optimal results.
Permanent Bonding & Finishing
During your second visit, we remove the temporary filling and permanently bond your custom ceramic restoration using advanced adhesive techniques. After final adjustments, your restored tooth will look, feel, and function naturally.
Ceramic vs. Other Filling Materials
Ceramic vs. Silver Amalgam Fillings
- Appearance: Ceramic fillings create an invisible restoration; silver amalgam fillings remain visibly metallic.
- Expansion Properties: Ceramic remains stable; amalgam fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially causing tooth fractures.
- Health Considerations: Ceramic is completely metal-free; traditional amalgam contains mercury which concerns some patients.
Ceramic vs. Composite Resin Fillings
- Longevity: Ceramic typically outlasts composite resin fillings, especially for larger restorations.
- Stain Resistance: Ceramic maintains its color for years; composite may gradually discolor.
- Initial Cost: While ceramic fillings have a higher upfront cost than composite, their durability often makes them more economical long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ceramic fillings suitable for front teeth?
Absolutely! Ceramic fillings are ideal for front teeth due to their exceptional aesthetic qualities and ability to match your natural tooth color perfectly.
Can ceramic fillings repair chipped teeth?
Yes, ceramic inlays and onlays are excellent for repairing chipped teeth, worn teeth, and teeth damaged by tooth grinding, offering both strength and visual appeal.
How long do ceramic fillings last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, ceramic porcelain fillings typically last 10–15 years, significantly longer than traditional composite fillings.
Are ceramic fillings covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for ceramic fillings. Our Tacoma office staff can help determine your specific coverage and discuss financing options.
Experience Advanced Dental Care in Tacoma, WA
At Petrie Advanced Dental, we’re committed to providing Tacoma residents with the highest quality restorative dental care. Whether you need to replace old metal fillings or treat new cavities, our ceramic filling options offer exceptional durability, aesthetics, and biocompatibility.
Call our Tacoma dental office today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients from throughout Pierce County, including Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
