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Patients who need to have a cavity filled usually are faced with a choice between tooth-colored composite fillings or amalgam (metal) restorations. The different materials have distinct qualities, so it’s important for patients to decide which factors are most important in their treatment decision. For example, although composite materials have improved dramatically over the years, amalgam fillings do typically last longer than composite ones. Therefore, your dentist may recommend amalgam in certain cases if the area of the cavity will be exposed to repeated stresses, potentially causing a composite filling to degrade prematurely. However, amalgam fillings have drawbacks, too. In addition to their dark color that detracts from the smile, amalgam fillings are more likely to crack in response to significant temperature changes. Furthermore, certain metals in the amalgam can actually stain the patient’s tooth over time. Amalgam also is less effective at bonding with the enamel, so a larger amount of healthy tooth material must be removed to accommodate an amalgam filling. In contrast, composite fillings do not negatively affect the smile’s appearance, and they can be used in smaller cavities in order to preserve as much healthy enamel as possible. Patients who get amalgam fillings must be quite diligent about oral hygiene practices to limit the presence of bacteria around the edges of the filling, where new cavities have a tendency to develop. Because the two types of fillings have these different pros and cons, you should discuss your priorities with your dentist in order to determine which approach best meets your needs. Composite fillings can be suitable in many cases, so you shouldn’t assume that this option isn’t feasible in your case. However, amalgam fillings may be preferable in certain instances. While composite materials may not last quite as long as amalgam ones, they are still fairly durable. Discuss all of your restoration options with our dentist to determine which considerations are most important for your particular case. Call our office today!
Have you been told that you have a cavity? Perhaps you suspect that you have developed tooth decay and realize it is time to see a dentist. When it comes to treating minor tooth decay, a filling is the go-to method for protecting tooth structure by preventing decay from deepening and reinforcing external tooth structure with a durable restoration. In the past, fillings were made from unsightly metals. Today, however, composite fillings are widely available and offer a natural looking restoration that won’t detract from the aesthetics of a smile. Composite fillings might be recommended for a number of reasons – especially for people who value aesthetically pleasing restorations. These restorations can also be used to replace old metal dental work. Composite Fillings and Appearance Composite resin is a tooth-colored compound that is made from a mixture of durable plastic and glass. This compound can be tinted to match the exact shade of white as biological teeth so that patients enjoy a seamless transition from their restoration to natural tooth structure. A composite filling is virtually unnoticeable to others. This is very beneficial to people who desire discreet, inconspicuous dental work. Composite Resin is Biocompatible Another benefit to composite resin is the fact that this compound bonds very well to biological teeth. In many cases, receiving a composite resin filling requires less tooth preparation than conventional amalgam (metal) fillings. Since less tooth structure is removed, patients can retain as much of their natural tooth as possible. For those concerned about trace mercury vapors found in metal fillings, this compound is ideal. How Composite Fillings are Placed For patients, receiving a white filling is not much different than receiving a metal one. First, the area being treated is thoroughly numbed to ensure comfort. Then the treatment area is gently prepared by slowly etching away diseased tooth structure. Composite resin is then applied in liquid form in brush-like strokes. The final step involves hardening composite resin with a curing light so that patients enjoy a durable restoration that lasts for years. Our dentist provides composite fillings to those affected by tooth decay or those who want to replace old fillings with new ones. Call us today to reserve an appointment.
Many patients prefer composite fillings over amalgam ones because the former restorations are tooth-colored and don’t detract from the smile, like noticeably dark metal ones do. Additionally, the composite fillings are mercury-free, which is important to some patients, as mercury has toxic properties. However, in the past, there has been some question about the durability of composite fillings, so patients may have been reluctant to consider this option for large fillings or those on teeth with a sizable chewing surface that would be subjected to repeated stress. Fortunately, composite filling materials have improved significantly in terms of durability over the past several decades, allowing your dentist to use this option in a variety of scenarios of decay. In fact, composite fillings have other advantages in addition to their durability and aesthetic benefits. They bond better with biological tooth enamel, so your dentist will not need to drill as large of a space to accommodate the filling as is necessary with amalgam fillings. When more healthy enamel can be preserved, it benefits the patient and helps the tooth remain stronger in the future. Additionally, composites do not expand and contract with temperature changes like amalgam ones do, so there is less of a chance that the composite filling with crack or break due to excessive cold or heat. The process of getting a composite filling is quite similar to getting an amalgam one. The decayed tooth material is removed via drilling, and the composite is prepared in the office. Its color can be manipulated to match the teeth as closely as possible, although it may not be the exact shade of your biological enamel. After the filling is placed, it is “cured” using a special light. The whole process is usually completed in an hour or less. In addition to being more attractive than dark amalgam fillings, tooth-colored composite restorations are quite durable and can stand up to strong chewing forces. If you want a more aesthetically pleasing filling for your cavity, contact our office about this treatment option.
Have you been told that you need a filling? Do you fear having noticeable dental work? While amalgam fillings were the most common type of restoration in the past, there are alternatives to metal dental work that look incredibly natural. Composite fillings are a popular alternative to amalgam because they are tooth-colored and biocompatible with tooth structure. With these restorations, patients can enjoy the protection of a durable filling without sacrificing the aesthetics of their smiles. Why Fillings are Necessary A filling is a small restoration used to fill in the space left by a cavity. When decay forms, it must be treated professionally or the damage will only become more pronounced over time. Untreated cavities can eventually reach the innermost parts of a tooth and infect vital tissue like nerve endings. In severe instances, an untreated cavity can lead to the development of an abscess and the need for extraction. Unlike other structures in the body, a tooth cannot regenerate new tooth enamel to protect itself from extrinsic damage. For this reason, restorations like composite fillings, amalgam fillings, or dental crowns are necessary. White Fillings and Their Benefits Composite fillings are composed of a durable mixture of plastic and glass. They come in variety of white shades so that they can perfectly match the color of biological tooth structure. Like amalgam, white fillings will protect a tooth from further damage by stopping the deepening of a cavity. In addition to a natural appearance, white fillings bond very well with the chemical structure of teeth. This means that in most cases, placing a composite resin filling requires less tooth removal than amalgam fillings. Retaining as much biological tooth structure as possible is ideal when repairing diseased and damaged teeth. Schedule a Checkup Today The best way to detect decay as early as possible is to keep regular appointments with our dentist. Dental checkups are incredibly through and advanced diagnostics can help reveal thinning tooth enamel and the early formation of dental caries very early one. Call us today at the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to reserve an appointment.
Tooth decay is a serious oral health issue that can result in the need for composite fillings or even more advanced and invasive interventions. In order to avoid the need for such treatments, we try to educate our patients on actions that they can take to prevent tooth decay. Here are a few of our top tips. Follow a thorough oral hygiene routine at home: You should be brushing twice a day and flossing daily at a minimum. Some people choose to add a post-meal brushing session, or at least rinse with water after eating to clear away any food debris that may remain in the mouth. Adding a mouthwash can be beneficial for patients who accumulate plaque fairly quickly. Ask your dentist what you should be doing at home to maintain optimal oral health. See your dentist at least every six months: While this may not prevent tooth decay completely, such regular monitoring can detect the presence of cavities when they are smaller and easily restored by composite fillings rather than needing a crown or another extensive restoration. Limit your intake of sugary sweets, especially sticky candies that can cling to the teeth: Sugar is an ideal nutrition source for the bacteria that attack your teeth and wear down your enamel. When you restrict sweet treats, you’re helping to improve the chances that your teeth will remain strong and undamaged by decay. Maintain saliva production: Saliva plays a tremendously important role in keeping your teeth clean. It clears away any food residue that may stick around your mouth after a meal or snack. It also can remove decay-causing bacteria from your mouth or reduce their presence. Some medications can negatively affect saliva production, as can general dehydration, so make sure that you’re drinking enough water and monitoring your meds for any adverse side effects. If you do have concerns about tooth decay, consult with your dentist to determine whether it is indeed present and the best course of action if it is. Schedule an evaluation at our office to discuss our best prevention tips.
Composite fillings are one of the most popular ways to address tooth decay. Used to treat small cavities, composite fillings offer patients some unique benefits when compared to dark, metal fillings of the past. Our dentist offers composite resin fillings for a number of reasons. These restorations are natural looking, durable, and don’t require as much tooth reduction as amalgam (metal) restorations. Following are some of the most popular benefits to treating cavities with composite resin. Composite Resin Produces a Natural Look Composite resin is a compound derived from a mixture of glass and plastic. The materials used to produce these fillings are tooth-colored and can be tinted to match the exact color of a tooth. Once the filling is placed, a patient’s cavity is treated and his or her tooth is protected without compromising the aesthetics of a person’s smile. In fact, others will not be able to detect dental work when white restorations are used. Less Tooth Removal is Required Compared to amalgam fillings, composite resin bonds better to teeth. This means that less tooth preparation is required to place white fillings. Less tooth preparation for restorations allows patients to retain as much tooth structure as possible. Composite allows our team to address tooth decay more conservatively than with popular materials of the past. White Fillings Do Not Contain Trace Amounts of Mercury For patients concerned about trace amounts of mercury found in metal fillings, composite resin is an ideal alternative because metal is not used in the materials to make white fillings. Those who have old metal fillings that require replacement can have them replaced with composite resin as well. Composite resin assuages the concerns of patients who want to maintain a natural appearance despite the need for dental work. This compound also eases the fears of health-conscious patients concerned about potential mercury exposure. Our team offers a number of restorative dental services that address the need for rebuilding tooth structure after disease or damage without affecting the esthetics of a smile. Call our practice at 214-343-1818 today to reserve a checkup with our dentist.
Tooth decay is a troublesome and common dental condition. In the past, treating small areas of decay involved using dark fillings made of amalgam—a mixture of metals. While amalgam fillings restored the tooth and prevented further decay, they were very conspicuous and gave patients an unnatural looking appearance. Today, however, patients have more options when it comes to treating cavities and preserving the natural appearance of their smiles with composite fillings. Made from glass and durable plastics, composite resin is a tooth-colored restoration that can be tinted to match the exact shade of a biological tooth. Our dentist offers tooth-colored fillings so that patients can enjoy good oral health and an attractive appearance. Benefits of Composite Fillings The most obvious benefit to choosing composite resin over amalgam fillings is that composite resin matches the color and luster of teeth making it a very discreet and practically undetectable restoration. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of a smile and a natural appearance, this type of filling offers a few other benefits, too. The chemical makeup of composite resin bonds well to the mineralized structure of teeth. This means that composite resin is a durable alternative to amalgam and requires less tooth removal to place the filling. Since less tooth removal is required for the restoration, as much of the natural structure of the tooth possible is retained—thus providing a more conservative approach to treating tooth decay. Patients who prefer more biocompatible dental treatments also choose composite resin over amalgam because some patients worry about trace amounts of mercury found in amalgam. While no conclusive evidence points to health risks associated with amalgam fillings, composite resin appeals to health-conscious patients who have concerns with mercury exposure. How Composite Fillings are Placed The process for placing a tooth-colored filling is similar to placing a traditional amalgam restoration. The decay will be removed and the area will be cleaned and dried to create a stable bonding surface. Composite resin is applied as a liquid to the tooth and then cured by a light. This process takes about the same amount of time as an amalgam filling. For more information or to schedule your visit, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan at 214-343-1818.