It wasn’t long ago that when you went to the dentist to repair a cavity, your tooth was repaired with a durable, albeit noticeable, amalgam metal filling. However, while these restorations were durable and long-lasting, they still left plenty to be desired. Today, however, there’s a discreet, lifelike alternative: tooth-colored fillings. But they don’t just look like your natural teeth – these composite resin restorations also offer many incredible benefits over their metal predecessors. Here is a closer look at some ways that tooth-colored fillings can benefit you!
Less Drilling
Because tooth-colored fillings bond directly to the structure of the tooth, they require less drilling than their amalgam metal predecessors. This means that your treatment will not only be faster, but for those who are anxious or nervous around dental drills, or who have a sensitive gag reflex this can make a big difference during your procedure.
Strengthens and Restores
Tooth-colored fillings both strengthen and restore the tooth structure, so not only will they feel just like an untreated tooth, but they’ll likely also appear as though they’ve never suffered from any damage at all. Best of all, they will remain strong and healthy and blend into your smile for years to come!
Preserves More Healthy Tooth Structure
When it comes to tooth-colored fillings, less truly is more. In fact, because they do such a good job bonding to the teeth and rebuilding them, they not only require less enamel to be removed, but they can also protect more of its natural structure. They can even be used on smaller areas of decay than amalgam metal, so they are considered a more conservative treatment overall.
Stops Infection and Decay from Spreading
If left untreated, infection and decay can spread from tooth to tooth, requiring multiple steps and restorations to correct. The good news is that composite resin fillings are extremely effective at not just restoring the appearance and function of teeth, but also at stopping infection and preventing it from spreading.
No Risk of Metal Exposure
For patients who have metal allergies or sensitivity, or for those who are concerned about the levels of certain metals found in old-fashioned amalgam fillings, composite resin offers one more important benefit: it is completely metal free. In fact, it is made of a durable combination of fine particles of glass, sand, and plastics that both look and feel like real teeth, all without the risk of sensitivity or other negative side effects.
Remember, while they may not have been a widespread option for restoring your smile when you were a kid, today’s tooth-colored fillings are a durable, beautiful, long-lasting way to repair cavities and restore your smile, all without the drawbacks of those dated, amalgam metal fillings you might have gotten in the past. To learn more about how composite resin restorations can benefit your gorgeous grin, speak to your dentist about upgrading today!
About Dr. Noorda
Dr. Brett Noorda earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry. Since then, he has completed more than 1400 hours of continuing education. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and holds a Mastership in the College of Sedation Dentistry. To schedule an appointment at Dental Excellence for tooth-colored fillings or any other treatment, visit our website or call 702-456-7403.