Porcelain Fillings
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Bethesda, Clarksville
and the Greater Maryland area
What are porcelain fillings made of?
Porcelain fillings are made from a specially formulated dental porcelain, which is individually formed and cured in a laboratory.
What is an indirect filling?
An indirect filling is a filling that is created in a laboratory, rather than being constructed from materials directly in the cavity.
This allows a much greater level of detail and sturdier construction.
What are the benefits of porcelain fillings over metal amalgam?
Porcelain fillings offer a number of benefits over traditional metal amalgam fillings, including the following:
- Porcelain fillings are indistinguishable from natural tooth material
- Porcelain fillings are stronger and more durable than metal amalgam
- Porcelain fillings are constructed in a dental laboratory, allowing for more precise work
How long does the procedure take?
The porcelain filling procedure takes place over two office visits.
During your first visit, your damaged tooth will be removed and prepared, then a precise impression will be taken.
This impression will be used to create your custom porcelain filling (also called an inlay or onlay) in a dental laboratory.
During your second office visit, your newly created porcelain filling will be permanently adhered to your damaged tooth, leaving you with a bright, flawless looking tooth surface.
How long do porcelain fillings last?
Depending on individual factors, your porcelain fillings may last as long as ten to thirty years.
Are porcelain fillings right for me?
If you currently have cavities, or if your old metal amalgam fillings are deteriorating or just unsightly, you may be an excellent candidate for our strong, natural looking porcelain fillings.
Call or email us today. We can schedule a personal consultation where we'll be happy to answer any questions you have about porcelain fillings.


