Currently in need of a dental filling? Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a popular choice for those who are in need of a dental filling nowadays. The reason is that it is much more difficult to see composite fillings, making them a much more aesthetically pleasing option. Another reason is that composite fillings are super strong and durable, allowing them the ability to hold a damaged tooth together for a long period of time. While silver fillings, aka amalgam fillings, are still available, more and more dental patients are beginning to choose composite fillings instead.
Fillings are necessary when a tooth is damaged by decay. Fillings allow the tooth to retain its normal functioning abilities by securing its overall structure, making it stronger.
Silver fillings
Silver fillings are also known as amalgam fillings and have been commonly used to fill cavities for many years. While many dental patients have had silver fillings for years without issue, other patients will experience problems due to the mixture of metals used for this type of filling. The main issue is that silver fillings can contain up to 50% mercury, which has been known to cause health issues in people. This is the main reason why new and improved methods for filling a cavity are now available, which means that dental patients now have choices.
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are made using materials that are very similar to natural teeth. This allows composite fillings the ability to be super strong, a very important quality when it comes to proper tooth repair. Even though the composite material is very strong there is a limit to its strength. In order for a dental patient to be approved for composite fillings the cavity that they need to be filled must be no larger than what is called medium cavities.
Because composite fillings are also able to offer dental patients a natural look more patients are choosing composite fillings instead of silver fillings. When someone has silver fillings they tend to be much more noticeable than composite fillings. When composite fillings are chosen the fillings are not going to be noticeable, which can also help give the patient a bit of a smile makeover.
When a dentist uses a composite material to fill a filling they will first numb the area so that the dental patient will not feel anything. They will then remove any portions of the teeth of that are in decay. The dentist will then apply a special dental material that allows the composite filling to strongly bond to the tooth. The composite material is then applied layer by layer until the process is completed. A special light is used to harden the composite material and then the dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the patient is completely comfortable, i.e. smoothing, polishing.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dazzling Smile Dental Group, request an appointment in our Bayside dental office here: https://www.dazzlemysmile.com. Or call us at (718) 841-9535.
