Cavities, when they occur, can have far reaching effects on the health and appearance of our teeth. If left untreated, cavities allow bacteria into the teeth which can lead to decay and possible infection. As a result, it is important to have cavities filled, and many dentists use a silver amalgam compound to do this.
While this compound is perfectly adequate at sealing teeth from further intrusion by bacteria, it is somewhat lacking in appearance, and can detract from a person’s smile as a result. However, a cosmetic dentist can address the appearance issue by using tooth-colored fillings as an alternative to silver amalgam fillings. [pullquote]Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin that can be blended to match the natural color of a person’s teeth…[/pullquote]
Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin that can be blended to match the natural color of a person’s teeth; offering a much more aesthetically-pleasing and natural looking solution. To many observers, tooth-coloured fillings are difficult to detect.
For years, silver amalgam was the only option when it came to filling cavities, and so many people will have them, but won’t necessarily know that they can effectively restore the look of their teeth through the use of tooth-colored fillings. Indeed, a dentist can remove pre-existing silver amalgam fillings and replace them with a more natural-looking solution.
What’s more, tooth-colored fillings carry less risk to a person’s health. Silver amalgam compounds generally have small amounts of mercury and it is not uncommon for traditional fillings to fragment. Tooth-colored fillings contain no mercury, and so pose less of a health risk.
Advances in the durability of composite resin mean tooth-colored fillings can be utilized in more areas across the mouth. While in the past, they might only have been used in small cavities on teeth towards the front of the mouth, they are now commonly used on the rear teeth, including the occlusal surfaces used in chewing.
And, as there is increased bonding between the composite resin and the tooth’s natural enamel, a dentist is not required to drill into a tooth as invasively as required to successfully treat the cavity.
Tooth-colored fillings offer a host of benefits over traditional silver amalgam fillings, and it is worthwhile consulting with a cosmetic dentist about the merits of swapping old fillings for a newer, natural look to your teeth. Contact our experienced and dedicated dental team serving North Dallas to schedule your consultation.
