It is true that taking care of your teeth every day and regularly visiting our dentist will help you keep your teeth cavity-free. But this isn’t always the case. It is possible to develop tooth cavities even after cleaning them every other day since there are factors that might work against you, such as brushing techniques, poor diet, deep fissures, etc.
That’s why fillings come in handy. They are efficient tooth restorations that protect teeth from further damage after a cavity since our dentist will place it in the space left after removing the damaged part.
Advances in dentistry now allow our dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL to place any filling based on the material you choose. Today, most dentists recommend that patients go for white fillings (tooth-coloured) rather than the prevalent metal fillings that have been used for decades.
But before we check out why white fillings are better than metal fillings, let’s quickly examine why you need to get a filling.
Why Get a Filling?
Tooth decay is a prevalent problem that happens to almost anyone. It occurs due to harmful bacteria digesting food debris usually lodged between or on teeth. As they digest the simple sugars, harmful acids are produced, which are damaging to your teeth. Over time, your teeth become weak, and holes (cavities) form.
If left unchecked, the cavity or hole will increase and go much deeper in the tooth, eventually reaching the root. If this happens, you will get an infection and probably lose the tooth. Fillings are placed to ensure the cavity doesn’t develop further, thus protecting the tooth.
Therefore, if you don’t wish to lose a tooth getting a filling will be the best thing to do.
So, Why Go For Tooth-Colored Fillings Instead of Metal Fillings?
As you might have already guessed, both materials have their sets of drawbacks and benefits. However, white fillings have some benefits over metal fillings; here they are:
They Look Natural
Right off the bat, their color is the glaring difference between metal and white fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are fashioned from composite resin, which is the same color as your teeth, hence the name. When our dentist places a white filling over your teeth, they inconspicuously blend in with the other teeth.
They offer a beautiful, natural appearance, unlike the metal fillings, which have a greyish hue that can be easily identifiable and unpleasant.
They Are Not Toxic
Composite resin is widely used in dentistry. It is what our dentist uses for teeth bonding. White fillings also have ceramic, which is a non-toxic material. So, when our dentist combines the two materials to form a filling, they offer a much safer alternative to metal fillings.
Amalgam fillings use mercury to bind all the materials used to create the silver fillings. But as you know, mercury is a toxic substance that can cause adverse side effects. Other metal fillings might cause allergic reactions if you are allergic to certain metals.
They Don’t Require Much Drilling
when getting metal fillings, a considerable chunk of your tooth must be removed to accommodate them. However, composite fillings bond to the teeth, meaning they will occupy less space in your teeth.
This is good news for you since you will have a huge chunk of your teeth intact even if you get a filling.
They Are Repairable
It is true that metal fillings near you are sturdier than composite fillings. But this doesn’t mean that white fillings cannot serve for long. Even though they are subject to wear, they can be repaired.
Once you realize that your filling has cracked or chipped, you can book an appointment with us, and our dentist will get your tooth back to its former glory.
They Lower the Risk of Tooth Sensitivity
White fillings are made of composite resin, which is an excellent insulator. Therefore, you can enjoy your favorite meals without getting the discomfort from tooth sensitivity.
On the other hand, metal fillings aren’t great insulators; they are conductors. This means that you might experience heightened tooth sensitivity.
Moreover, metal fillings will expand and contract depending on the temperature. The fluctuations can damage the surrounding tooth structure, eventually leading to breakage.
Tooth-colored or white fillings are excellent tooth restorations. Contact us at Dental Care South if you need fillings near you.