To treat a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and may then choose to “fill” the area on the tooth where the decay was. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).
Our office uses white composite resin to restore fillings. Most fillings last between ten and fifteen years. We may also discuss the option of an inlay or onlay, if you want the longest lasting material available.
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
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- Composite tooth-colored fillings are a newer and more natural-looking method for repairing areas of tooth decay and minor damage. The durable composite filling is closely matched to a tooth’s color, making them virtually impossible to detect. Plus, they do not pose negative health effects, like mercury fillings do.
What are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings over Mercury?
Composite tooth-colored fillings have many benefits over their mercury counterpart. These include:
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- Strength: Composite fillings are less likely to react poorly to different temperatures than mercury fillings. They better protect teeth when eating hot or cold foods, leading to less cracks.
- Durability: In contrast to mercury, composite fillings actually bond directly to your teeth making the filling stronger and offering more long-term stability to the tooth.
- Versatility: Composite fillings can be used for front or back teeth. They can be easily repaired if teeth chip or fracture.
- Cosmetics: Composite fillings look much more natural than mercury fillings. They resemble real enamel and can be easily molded into a natural shape. Unlike their mercury counterpart, they easily blend in with the rest of your teeth.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Fillings
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- At Crane Family Dentistry, your dental health and comfort are our top priorities. During the procedure, our dentist will make sure you are comfortable and then carefully remove the decayed area, replacing it with a composite tooth-colored filling that matches your tooth’s color and shape. It’s important to get cavities filled right away so that decay does not lead to more serious damage.
