Tooth-Colored Fillings in Whitehouse, OH
Precious metals may have a place in your portfolio, but they are increasingly unlikely to show up in your smile. The days of silver amalgam fillings have mostly passed, becoming almost as much of a distant memory as the gold variety.
Not only do advanced tooth-colored fillings offer exceptional levels of strength, flexibility and aesthetic appeal, they are also a less expensive option. This is true of silver, but especially gold, where few patients are comfortable with the idea of carrying their retirement account in a bicuspid.
Worry-Free Choice
With silver, there are also additional costs, such as the anxiety sometimes created by silver-mercury amalgam fillings. Although these types of fillings were once common, a variety of studies, many of them inconclusive, have generated concern about the possible health risks of this material in the mouth. That is why tooth-colored fillings are not only a popular first choice for patients with tooth decay, but also a common choice for patients who opt for a filling replacement, swapping an old amalgam filling for the new, state-of-the-art composite.
Innovation and Resilience
In addition to fitting right in with your translucent array of natural teeth, tooth-colored fillings actually strengthen the tooth better than a metal variety. The reason is that metal changes in volume, expanding or contracting when temperature or other conditions change within your mouth. This has the potential to damage a tooth; and the filling itself may become unmoored and loosen. Just as metal fillings are sensitive to temperature changes, patients also typically report a greater degree of tooth sensitivity with these types of fillings, compared with the tooth-colored composites.
Dentists appreciate tooth-colored fillings because they require less drilling, preserving more of your tooth’s protective enamel. Metal fillings require a larger hole be created to ensure a tight fit.
The Procedure
Filling a cavity is one of the most routine and complication-free procedures in dentistry. After using an advanced laser to clean out the decay, your dentist creates the hole that will accommodate the composite seal. The material is applied directly to the tooth surface, molded into shape and then hardened with the use of a special high-intensity lamp.
The final step is to adjust the filling for comfort. This involves grinding the surface of the composite and checking your bite. This process is repeated a number of times, until you are completely satisfied with the way your new filling fits in the mouth. Fillings usually take less than a half hour, and are performed using local anesthetic.
Once your new tooth-colored filling is in place, it will be easy to forget about it. In a few months you may actually have a hard time finding it in your mouth. It blends in perfectly, and feels completely natural.
Why Are Fillings Important?
Almost all Americans develop a cavity at some point, even if they are great brushers and flossers. Getting a tooth-colored filling keeps your smile looking attractive without adding any shiny metal in your mouth.
When your tooth develops a cavity, a filling is the best way to stop decay from progressing. By ignoring a cavity, you are ensuring that the cavity will get bigger. If the infection becomes more problematic, then you may need a more serious procedure like a root canal or tooth extraction. Unfortunately, these are more expensive and uncomfortable than fillings. Regular dental checkups can catch cavities early so that you have no need for these more invasive treatments.
Fillings Match the Color of Your Teeth
The dentists at Dental Health Associates of Whitehouse understand that not all patients have the same shade of teeth. That’s why rather than taking a one-shade-fits-all approach, our dentists custom blend the composite to create a tone that matches the color of your teeth — whether that’s sparkling white or a duller color. This ensures that your filling blends in with the rest of your smile.
How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Last?
The composite resin in tooth-colored fillings can last in your mouth for about seven to 10 years. After that, your dentist will need to refill the cavity. The best way to maximize the amount of time your filling lasts is to maintain good daily oral hygiene habits and avoid chewing on hard foods and objects (like your nails or pen caps) that can crack your filling.
To learn more about tooth-colored fillings, or to schedule an appointment, contact Dental Health Associates of Whitehouse today.