Repair or Restore a Damaged Tooth
A filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks or fractures. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a filling.
There are different types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist can discuss with you the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite (white) fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth-colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
These fillings are more commonly used on the back teeth or in large cavities, as this is a very durable and strong filling material. The back teeth are exposed to more force in chewing and eating than the front teeth and are therefore more suited for silver filings. It is also quicker to apply and easier to use in areas that are difficult to keep dry during the tooth repair.
Many people are aware that there is mercury in the silver amalgam filling material. Rest assured that this mercury is not the same type of mercury that is found in water and is ingested by fish causing mercury poisoning. The mercury found in amalgam fillings is mixed with other metals and forms a safe stable material. The American Dental Association, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization all agree that based on extensive scientific evidence, dental amalgam is a safe and effective cavity-filling material.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
These types of fillings, also called composite resins, are most commonly used for smaller cavities and for the front teeth. However, due to their cosmetic appeal in looking more natural, they are very popular and are these days used more often than amalgam fillings. It takes a little longer to place a tooth-colored filling as it is very important to keep the area completely dry so the resins can bond correctly with the teeth for a good leak-free seal. These fillings are also a bit more expensive. Let Bay View Dental Care help you determine how much your insurance will cover for this and other types of fillings.
As with most dental restorations, fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. Regular examinations are very important to monitor your fillings. The best filling for your mouth is no fillings! Our team at Bay View Dental Care can help you do this with regular checkups and good twice a day brushing and daily flossing. Call us today if it has been more than six months ago that you visited a dentist.
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