What are fillings?
Fillings restore decayed portions of your teeth. A cavity is a small hole that forms due to tooth decay. Without treatment, the decay spreads and forms a larger cavity. That threatens the integrity of your tooth, leaving you at risk of dental concerns like tooth pain, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
To prevent the cavity from spreading, Dr. Mansour removes the decayed portion of your tooth. Then, he uses a filling to restore its shape and size. Fillings also protect your tooth from additional decay.
How are composite fillings different from silver fillings?
While traditional amalgam (silver) fillings and composite fillings serve the same function, they have key differences:
Silver fillings
Traditional amalgam (silver) fillings are metal restorations that adhere to the biting surface of your decayed tooth once it’s treated. They’re strong, durable, and long-lasting. However, they’re also visibly silver in color. You can see silver fillings when you speak or smile. They’re also potentially harmful to people with metal allergies.
Composite fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings that blend in with the color of your teeth. Also called white fillings, these restorations contain composite resin materials that protect and strengthen your decayed teeth. Composite fillings also reach the small crevices of your teeth better than silver fillings because they’re placed in a different way.
What is the process for placing composite fillings?
The process for placing a composite filling is fairly quick and straightforward. When you arrive for your appointment, Dr. Mansour and his team remove any visible decay and clean your teeth before placing your filling.
Composite fillings use liquid materials to reach every crevice of your decayed tooth. After applying the composite solution, Dr. Mansour hardens it with a special curing light. He applies the filling in layers, hardening each layer before adding a new one. This process continues until your tooth returns to its natural shape and size.
What are the benefits of composite fillings?
Composite fillings offer many benefits over amalgam fillings, such as:
Less drilling
Since composite fillings bond to your teeth, Dr. Mansour needs to remove less of your natural tooth structure than he does for silver fillings.
Strengthening
Composite fillings harden quickly and closely adhere to your teeth, so they strengthen and protect your tooth from damage.
No metal
Silver fillings contain metal, which can be harmful to people with metal allergies. Composite fillings are less likely to cause irritation or discomfort.
To learn more about composite fillings, call Distinction Dental or schedule an appointment online today.
