Types of Dental Fillings
It’s important that you visit your dentist twice a year on schedule. Doing so will allow your dentist to treat dental problems before they become major issues. That’s true of gum disease and tooth damage, and it’s especially true of tooth decay. The team here at our Lexington cosmetic dentistry practice takes this issue particularly seriously.
Filling Cavities is Important
Cavities are formed when the bacteria in your mouth feeds on sugars and food particles left on your teeth. In the process of doing this, the bacteria will turn the food and sugars into an acidic substance that will gradually erode and damage the surface of your teeth. Its important that the damaged tooth structure be removed and a filling be placed to restore the integrity of the tooth.
About Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a dental restoration that is used to rebuild tooth structure that has been lost due to decay. The fillings are generally small and are designed for minor dental caries and more advanced cavities. When tooth decay is too substantial for a dental filling, another dental restoration will be used instead.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are two basic types of dental fillings that are used: metal fillings and tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are by far preferable to metal fillings. In fact, we believe that the aesthetic and health advantages of tooth-colored make them a much more ideal way for patients to get the comprehensive dental care that they need when they need it most. Let’s compare the two options so you know where we’re coming from.
Metal Fillings
Metal fillings are made from an amalgam material. They generally gray or dark gray in color. When placing metal fillings, the damaged too material is removed and the amalgam is set in place to restore tooth structure and integrity.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth colored fillings are the preferred option for this dentist in Lexington when serving patients. The tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite dental ceramic. When in place, they will match the color of the tooth. Preparation for a tooth-colored filling is the same as that of a metal filling.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings are Superior to Metal Fillings
Apart from the obvious cosmetic benefits of tooth-colored fillings, we like to emphasize the dental health benefits. First of all, when preparing a tooth for tooth-colored fillings, less of a patient’s healthy tooth structure needs to be removed, meaning a healthier tooth overall.
In addition to the above, there are two important dental health matters to note. First, metal fillings once contained mercury in trace amount which, though small, are nonetheless troubling given how toxic mercury is. Meta fillings are also subject to some fluctuations in size in extreme temperatures, which means that they can expand or contract and potentially cause tooth damage. This does not happen with tooth-colored fillings.
Other Considerations for Dental Care
In addition to fillings, there are plenty of other smile makeover treatment options to enhance the health and beauty of your smile. These include Lexington porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and bonding treatments, all of which can be discussed during an appointment at the office.
Learn More About Our Comprehensive Dental Care Services
For more information about comprehensive dental care treatments and how they can benefit you, be sure to contact our Lexington cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today.