Composite Resin, Amalgam & Porcelain Fillings

At Kucey Dental Group, serving Red Deer, AB, and beyond, we provide the appropriate treatment for the appropriate problem. We educate you, the patient, on the choices available for restoration of your teeth including the risks and benefits of each material, the expected longevity of each restoration, and an estimated cost. Contact us today to get started.

Composite Resin Bonding

Composite Bonding is a chairside procedure that can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged.

The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid bond sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape. Using an ultraviolet light, once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.

The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before need of repair. Consideration to porcelain veneers or crowns should be given in situations involving multiple surfaces.

Amalgam Fillings

Dental amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of silver with other metals including mercury. Benefits of amalgam can include low cost, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects.

Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement – it remains soft for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound. Amalgam possess great longevity and on average can serve for 10 to 12 years.

There are circumstances in which composite (white fillings) serves better than amalgam, such as when amalgam is not indicated, or when a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, composite is the recommended restorative material. These situations would include small occlusal restorations, in which amalgam would require the removal of a more sound tooth structure, as well as in enamel sites beyond the height of contour.

Short-Term & Long-Term Solutions

Whether you require an immediate short-term solution or a long-lasting restoration, we will try to help you. We offer porcelain inlays and tooth colored restorations (onlays). Composite resin can be used to create instant solutions but may not have the desired longevity. A more long-lasting solution may be a crown or porcelain restoration. This involves two appointments:

Your First Appointment For Porcelain Restorations (Preparation)

During 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 our registered dental technician.
  • A temporary restoration is placed on the tooth.
  • We work with our registered dental technicians to create the final restoration and confirm final contour and fit prior to the delivery.

Your Second Appointment (Insertion)

During your second appointment:

  • The temporary onlay 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 restoration is adjusted and given its final polish.

Safe & Effective

The Canadian Dental Association and the American Dental Association® Council on Scientific Affairs have concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for immediate tooth restoration and the advice of your dentist will help you choose the appropriate material.