Fillings are what dentists use to “fill in” an area of decay. It is a simple restorative procedure that can save a damaged tooth and restore its integrity going forward. Depending on your age, the filling you received as a child may not be the same type of filling you are offered as an adult. While amalgam (metal) fillings were widely used in the past, modern dentists offer a more preferred alternative using composite resin. Composite fillings are more commonly called “tooth-colored fillings,” which reveals the main advantage of this type of filling.
To fully appreciate tooth-colored fillings, it is important to understand the drawbacks of amalgam fillings. While the safety of the mercury content in amalgam fillings is often debated, there is proof that silver fillings are not aesthetically pleasing, may corrode teeth and can cause teeth to crack as they expand. In addition, amalgam fillings require the removal of healthy tooth structure in order to be placed.
Modern dentistry offers composite fillings as a means to effectively address all of these amalgam drawbacks. Composite resin is a powdered glass and plastic mixture that is applied in layers and hardened by a special curing light. The filling is then custom-shaped and polished by your dentist. Composite fillings provide a seamless blend within your smile, but the benefits don’t stop at aesthetics.
Gainesville Dental Group prefers composite, tooth-colored fillings due to its following benefits:
- Strong (more durable than porcelain)
- Natural, tooth-colored appearance
- Placed in a single visit
- Require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure
- Allow for easy identification of tooth decay nearby
- Bonds directly to tooth enamel
- Less expensive than gold
Ready to learn more about tooth-colored fillings? Call Gainesville Dental Group. While we are committed to helping you avoid tooth damage, we proudly offer the most patient-preferred options when restorations are necessary.
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
