Not long ago, a tooth filling meant a metal restoration that not only restored a tooth afflicted with a cavity, but was also visible through your semi-translucent tooth structure. If your cavity was in a tooth that is easily noticeable, then the metal filling that restored it would be noticeable, too. Today, however, more and more patients are opting for tooth-colored fillings that not only blend in with your tooth structure, but also offer more effective results than metal amalgam.

The New Way to Treat Cavities

• A tooth-colored filling is called such because of the material it is made out of—a highly versatile mixture of acrylic and finely-ground, quartz-like particles. Each filling can be carefully tinted to match the tooth that it is meant to restore.

• The point of a filling, whether metal or composite, is to “fill” a cavity, or hole, left in your tooth by the progression of destructive tooth decay. Thoroughly cleaning and filling the cavity stops the spread of infection (and the growth of the cavity) and restores the tooth’s strength.

• Appearance is a major benefit of tooth-colored fillings, but functionally, the advantages of resin over metal outweigh the esthetic benefits. Unlike metal, composite resin can be more securely bonded to a tooth’s natural structure, which offers a tighter, more effective seal against bacteria that could enter the cavity and reinfect the tooth.

• Another disadvantage of metal fillings is that they can change shape when exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures, expanding and contracting, respectively. Expansion can cause the metal to damage to the tooth, while contraction can make the filling pull away from the tooth structure, blatantly exposing the tooth’s vulnerable tissues.

• Wondering if you should replace your metal filling? If it still functions well, then replacing it may not be an emergency; however, the longer it remains, the more likely it will fail and leave your tooth exposed to further infection and injury. Speak with us today to determine if and when you should upgrade your metal filling(s) to more attractive, more successful tooth-colored composite resin.

ABOUT YOUR CONROE DENTIST:

The Dental Centre of Conroe, John M Richards DDS delivers distinctive cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for residents of Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities. For more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling (936) 441-4600.