If our Mesa, Arizona dentist spots a cavity on one of your teeth during your dental exam, then they we’ll probably recommend that you get a dental filling ASAP. That way we can remove the decay and fill the void back in to protect your tooth.
Dental fillings can be made from two different types of material: tooth-colored composite, or silver amalgam (a blend of different metals).
Advantages of White Fillings
Typically, white dental fillings are best for most people. Here are a few reasons why:
White Fillings are Less Invasive to TeethTooth-colored fillings are more conservative than amalgams because the composite resin material is flexible and bonds more easily to the natural tooth. This means that our dentist in Mesa won’t need to alter as much tooth structure or need additional prep work, leaving more enamel intact.
White Fillings Look More Natural
Silver fillings are stand out from tooth enamel, making them unappealing in more noticeable areas of your smile. Additionally, they don’t bond to teeth, so tooth enamel must be cut out in a wedge to help hold the filling in place. But white fillings look like a natural part of your tooth. This is particularly helpful when working on a front tooth that’s visible when you smile. We have several tooth-colored shades of composite to choose from and will select one that blends in the best with your enamel.
Immediate Results
Silver fillings cure and harden on their own, over a course of several hours. In other words, you’ll have to be careful not to chew with those teeth for a while. If you’re not careful, you could quite possibly change the shape of the filling and require another trip to the dentist’s office.
Fortunately, white composite filling material cures during the same appointment. After we’ve molded it to the desired shape, we shine a special blue light that hardens it instantly.
Less Sensitivity Afterward
Amalgam material is made of a mixture of tin, copper, silver, mercury, and zinc, which expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. As a result, experiencing sensitivity is likely with silver fillings since they’re also much larger.
White fillings don’t contain any silver alloy like amalgam, and since they also provide a tighter fit and better seal, they result in less everyday sensitivity to your teeth.
White Fillings Adhere to Teeth Better
Since composites are actually bonded to your enamel, the material is tighter to your tooth than silver fillings, which are simply packed into place. Because of this, white fillings are preferable to use on teeth with a large area of decay, because they will last longer and limit the need for a crown.
No Metal In Your Mouth
Some people prefer not to have any metal in their mouth, whether for aesthetic reasons or severe metal allergies. If you have a cavity to repair, white resin fillings are definitely the way to go.
White Fillings Do Not Contain Mercury
Many dental patients are concerned that the amount of mercury that is found in silver fillings and the potential for them to cause certain health complications. Since white fillings are mercury-free, you can avoid the potential risks involved.
Composite Resin is Strong and Durable
Over the years, composite fillings have been constantly advancing. The materials that are on the market today are made from the highest quality products. Resins are strong, resilient, and can last for decades without breaking down or needing to be replaced.
Cost-Effective Treatment
White fillings sometimes cost a small amount more than silver ones. But when you take all of their advantages into consideration, you’ll see how cost-effective they actually are. And you’ll still get to take advantage of your dental health insurance benefits covering a portion of the cost.
Don’t Delay Your Dental Treatment
Fillings, whether silver or white, can only be used to repair a tooth up until a certain point. If you wait too long to have a cavity treated, you’re looking at more invasive and costly procedures.
Plan to visit our Mesa, Arizona dentist frequently 一 at least twice per year 一 for checkups. If any areas of decay are noted, it’s best to treat them as soon as possible.
Call Eastport Dental today to schedule a professional dental cleaning appointment, exam, and x-rays. That way we can properly evaluate your smile and develop a specific treatment plan (if necessary). Our excellent team is standing by to assist you every step of the way. Contact us now to get started.
