White Fillings:
Natural-Looking and Mercury-Free
Most people have fillings in their mouths. In the past, teeth were filled with amalgam or other metals. However, today many people elect to have white fillings. Our office uses only white fillings. They look better, feel better, and are much safer. Find out more about our white fillings and the dangers of metal fillings below.
If you’re concerned about seeing a dentist in Lincoln, NE, you’ve actually come to the right place. Our dental team is not here to shame you or make you feel uncomfortable. We won’t lecture you, no matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen a dentist in Lincoln, NE. Instead, we want you to feel at home and to know that you’re in good hands. Our team is full of dental professionals who are excellent at serving anxious or embarrassed patients. And you can rest assured that we’ve seen everything now! Patients’ teeth usually aren’t as bad as they feel. With us, you can feel like family.
Why get fillings?
For the most part, fillings are used to fix cavities in teeth. The purpose of a filling is to shield a tooth from further decay. Ultimately, if a cavity is not cleaned and protected, it will become infected and pose a serious threat to your oral and overall health. Fillings are also used occasionally to repair broken or cracked teeth. Similarly, fillings can be used to repair worn-down teeth.
The Two Main Types of Dental Fillings
Amalgam Fillings – Amalgam fillings are made up of a handful of metals, fused together to make up fillings. Although they’re still the most widely used fillings throughout the world, they contain trace amounts of mercury. A growing body of research has shown that the mercury in amalgam fillings can have serious adverse effects on a person’s overall health.
White Fillings – White fillings are made up of composite resin. This is a tooth-colored plastic mixed with fine glass, used to restore teeth. This type of filling is very popular today because it matches the natural teeth in color, texture, and translucency. Because of this, they are preferred greatly in the dental world, even by dentists in Lincoln, NE.
What Are the Main Advantages of White Fillings?
Aesthetics
White fillings are more aesthetically appealing than silver amalgam fillings. They closely match the color of the surrounding natural tooth. Additionally, white fillings done by a dentist in Lincoln, NE can be applied to both front and back teeth.
Strength
White fillings are able to create a super tight fit to the natural tooth. This is because they are directly bonded to the tooth. Not only does this provide protection against further tooth fracture, it also reinforces the tooth from the inside.
Durability
The bonding of white fillings to the tooth restores 90% of the original tooth strength. This leaves the tooth with good durability and resistance. Composite resin fillings usually last about 8 years.
Mercury-Free
Because they are made of glass particles mixed with plastic, they do not contain the mercury that is found in amalgam fillings or any other toxic material.
How are white fillings placed?
The placement of white fillings is technically demanding and requires experience. This is because white fillings are chemically bonded to teeth. There are two steps to receiving a white filling:
Step 1:
First, the tooth surface where the filling is to be placed is cleaned. The dentist will remove the decay and apply a mild acid gel to open up the pores in the enamel. A bonding agent is then placed into the open pores and cured.
Step 2:
After the curing procedure, the white filling is placed in layers until the desired shape is achieved. A curing light is used to help harden the composite material. When the filling has hardened, your dentist in Lincoln, NE will shape it to fit the tooth by smoothing it and polishing it.
Fillings might be the most common procedure we practice at Southpointe. It’s simple and straight-forward, and we’ll have you in and out as quickly as possible.
Maintenance
White fillings can last for many years if they are taken care of. After the fillings have been placed, there is usually sensitivity for a few days. For good dental hygiene, you should use a soft toothbrush, use a non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss your teeth regularly. All this will help to increase the lifespan of the fillings.
Maintenance often comes down to more than simply brushing and flossing. A good way to think about maintenance is as a proactive measure. By practicing excellent home-care, you’ll not only maintain your new white fillings, but you’ll also avoid cavities in the future. Thus, you’ll maintain your overall oral health instead of just the health of any teeth with fillings.
What is the cost of white fillings?
At our Lincoln, NE locations, we’re proud to offer “affordable dentistry near me”. We keep our prices low by accepting PPO dental insurances, offering dental payment plans, and also other payment options. The average price for a white filling in Lincoln, Nebraska is $150. If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover a certain portion of the cost of white fillings.
If you would like to schedule an appointment at any of our locations, please use the online form and request an appointment. Or you can call our office. Our dentist in Lincoln, NE looks forward to meeting you!
Annual Plan Benefits
For Lincoln Dental Plans
All X-rays
Comprehensive Exam
2 Emergency Exams
2 Routine Dental Cleanings (Every 12 Months)
25% Discount on Select Procedures
LDP offers discounts on the following procedures:
Regular Cleanings
Deep Cleanings
Periodontal Maintenance
Dental Crowns (Excludes Cosmetic Crowns)
White Fillings
Root Canals
Professional Teeth Whitening
Learn More about Lincoln Dental Plans Membership
Start using your plan now!
Affordable Dental Care
Make easy, affordable payments for your procedure with dental payment plans we offer.
Schedule Day or Night
Schedule your dental appointment at anytime of the day or night with our online scheduling.
We have 7 locations in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln Family Dentistry – Central Lincoln
South Lincoln Family Dentistry – South Lincoln
Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry– Northeast Lincoln
Preserve Family Dentistry – East Lincoln
Coddington Dental – West Lincoln
NorthStar Dental – North Lincoln
SouthPointe Dental – Southwest Lincoln
Emergency Dentist NE – Emergency Dental Care
Lincoln Dental Plans – Affordable Dental Options
Nebraska Family Dentistry
Nebraska Family Dentistry has Lincoln Dental clinics in all parts of Lincoln. Choose a “near me dentist” location that is convenient for you.