A cavity is no fun, but, fortunately, your North Richland Hills restorative dentist offers long-lasting solutions. Fillings are typically the easiest and most effective treatment for cavities. When placing a filling, your dentist will clean out your tooth, removing all harmful bacteria that could spread to the surrounding tissues. Then the filling itself will strengthen the outer walls of your weakened tooth. Until the 1960’s fillings were always made of metal. Today, however, many dentists offer tooth-colored composite resin fillings. Read on to learn more about the benefits of composite fillings.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite-resin is made of porcelain, mixed with glass or quartz. The material comes in many different shades, and we will select a color that is virtually identical to your tooth. To place a filling, your dentist will clean out the inside of your tooth. He will remove all bacteria, as well as the damaged dental materials. Then he will use a mild chemical solution to etch the inside of your cavity. This step will involve little discomfort. However, by creating microscopic fissures, the solution will make more surface area for the bonding agent. After applying this agent, your dentist will fill your tooth with composite resin. He will apply it in layers, hardening each individual layer with a curing light.
Learn the Top Benefits of Composite Fillings
There are many reasons to choose tooth-colored composite resin fillings.
1. Tooth-colored fillings keep your smile looking bright and healthy.
The aesthetic effects are some of the top benefits of composite fillings. Many times, metal restorations will eventually show through your teeth. On the other hand, composite resin restorations will look natural for decades, if not for the rest of your life.
2. Composite resin can more effectively strengthen your teeth.
Amalgam does not actually bond with your tooth. Because composite will adhere directly to the inside of your tooth, it can better support the weakened structure.
3. With a composite filling, your dentist can preserve more of your tooth.
Because composite bonds with the dental walls, your dentist will not have to reshape your tooth as much as he would to place a metal restoration.
4. Composite does not change shape.
When exposed to significant temperature variations, metal will expand or contract. Over the years, this can dramatically weaken your tooth. In contrast, composite remains stable, even when exposed to heat or cold.
5. Composite fillings do not contain mercury.
Sliver amalgam contains significant amounts of mercury. Scientists have linked this metal to a number of health conditions, including memory loss, infertility, and high blood pressure, among others. Mercury is especially harmful to pregnant women and unborn children. Although scientists are not certain that dental restorations contain enough mercury to be truly harmful, there is no reason to take unnecessary risks, especially considering the many other benefits of composite fillings.
ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS FAMILY DENTIST:
With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.