Tooth-colored fillings: Enjoy a more natural looking smile
After a dentist has identified a patient’s cavity, whether through examination or x-rays, the next step is filling that cavity. The main function of a cavity’s filling is to prevent further decay and damage to the tooth. However, fillings have an aesthetic purpose as well, restoring the tooth to its natural shape and form.
For that r
eason, the best dentists in The Colony offer their patients tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made of plastic materials called composite resins. Composite fillings do not distract from the rest of the smile in the same way that their silver-colored amalgam counterparts do. Composite materials are particularly popular among patients who need restorations toward the front of the smile.
The best dentists sometimes hear concerns about the mercury contained in amalgam fillings. Although the mercury poses little risk as long as the filling remains intact, some patients prefer composite materials for their own peace of mind.
Dentists use similar procedures in placing composite fillings and amalgam fillings. First the area of focus is numbed using a local anesthetic. Next, the dentist drills to remove the decay. In the last step, the filling is placed in the tooth and hardened using a curing light.
It does take a bit longer to place the composite filling in comparison to the amalgam filling, so patients who are used to amalgam should be prepared for a slightly longer appointment.
Because composite materials tend to be less durable than amalgam, composite fillings may not be recommended for fillings on the chewing surfaces of the molars. Those fillings need to withstand significant forces.
Alternatively, composite fillings are particularly well-suited for small cavities because these materials allow the dentist to preserve more of the biological tooth material. When using amalgam fillings, dentists must drill a larger space to accommodate the filling.
Of course, patients have options beyond composite and amalgam fillings for tooth restorations, with different materials being suitable for different purposes. When selecting a filling, consult with one of our best dentists serving The Colony to see if composite materials are appropriate in your case. You’ll have aesthetically pleasing results to show off in addition to promoting your optimal oral health.