White Composite Fillings
For many years, dentists placed what were called silver fillings in teeth to repair cavities. Some dentists still do that. And while they are called silver fillings, they actually have more mercury in them than silver and would be more accurately called amalgam fillings. Here at Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we don’t place any amalgam fillings. We prefer composite for several reasons:
- Composite fillings bond to the tooth, which strengthens the tooth. Amalgam weakens the tooth.
- In preparing for an amalgam filling, a dentist has to remove all weakened tooth structure, plus the prepared cavity needs to have a certain depth or the amalgam will fracture. Since composite bonds to the tooth, only the decay needs to be removed, resulting in a much smaller preparation.
- Amalgam readily conducts heat and cold, making the tooth more sensitive to temperature changes. Composite actually insulates the tooth.
- Amalgam is about 50% mercury, which is a health concern to some people.
- Composite is tooth-colored, resulting in a more attractive appearance.
If you need a filling on a front tooth, we carefully match the color of your existing tooth to the restorative, with a result that the filling is undetectable to others.
With fillings on the front teeth, we will evaluate the color of your teeth and may recommend whitening prior to any anterior bonding. This way, your new tooth-colored filling will perfectly match your newly whitened teeth.
Click here for information about the restoration of tooth abrasion lesions.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding dental fillings, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you!
