In the past, patients had to settle for amalgam fillings to address tooth decay. Now, there’s a better option. Tooth-colored fillings made of resin composite materials offer patients a host of benefits over the older approach.
The first advantage that comes to mind for many patients is the enhanced appearance of tooth-colored fillings. Unlike the silver amalgam material, composites blend in with the natural shade of the teeth. The dentist can make adjustments to the composite color as needed to approximate the patient’s own shade. While metal fillings mar the smile, tooth-colored ones are barely noticeable.
Additionally, the dentist generally is able to preserve more biological tooth material when using tooth-colored fillings. The composite materials are able to bond with the tooth, reducing the need for drilling to accommodate the filling.
Tooth-colored fillings made of resin composite materials offer patients a host of benefits over the older approach.
In bonding with the teeth, tooth-colored fillings also offer an additional layer of protection against further decay. They form a seal that limits bacteria’s access to that part of the tooth.
Mercury exposure can be another concern with amalgam fillings. Because amalgam contains mercury, any break or damage to the filling could put the patient at risk for the negative effects caused by this neurotoxin.
Composite materials are also less effective at conducting temperature changes than metal ones, so patients are not likely to experience temperature sensitivity as a result of their fillings.
Composite fillings are a suitable treatment for patients of all ages, and they will last for many years, even in younger patients who get them. Patients can also choose to swap out amalgam fillings for tooth-colored ones, but if you go that route, it’s important to make sure that your dentist is taking precautions to minimize your risk from mercury.
If you have been diagnosed with a cavity requiring a filling, have it treated quickly before the decay can progress and cause more problems. Choosing composite fillings will give you a wide variety of benefits, and you won’t have to worry about hiding parts of your smile.
To learn more about the benefits of composite fillings, contact our Arlington TX dental team today.
