When you need dental treatment, you have a choice of what kind of treatment, materials, and results you receive. When it comes to treating tooth decay (the most common dental health condition), those choices often include the material used to fill your cavity. For some patients, modern tooth-colored fillings are the best and most attractive option. However, in some cases, more traditional metal amalgam may be the best choice to ensure the long-term health of your tooth. To find the filling that best suits your needs, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination first, and then consult with you about the benefits of each option.
What Tooth Fillings Do
A tooth filling is an ages-old restorative treatment designed to help a tooth that is afflicted by a cavity recover its strength and prevent further damage. The procedure involves your dentist first cleaning the tooth and cavity of harmful oral bacteria, and then filling the cavity to replace the structure that your tooth has lost. To be successful, the filling’s material must be able to bond with your tooth’s structure as well as withstand the constant pressures of biting and chewing without being displaced.
Choosing Metal or Resin
For over a century, tooth fillings have most often been made from a biocompatible mixture of metals known as amalgam. Metal amalgam fillings can be securely bonded within cavities, and their high structural integrity means that even molars that experience the most intense bite pressure can maintain their restorations. However, today, more visible teeth can benefit from tooth-colored fillings that are also durable (though less durable than metal) and can blend in discreetly with the natural color of your teeth. To choose the right filling, your dentist will carefully examine your cavity and teeth, and then consult with you to determine which option would be best.
Find the Filling That’s Best for You
Depending on your unique needs and preferences, your filling may be made from biocompatible metal or tooth-colored composite resin. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).
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