Category: dental fillings

Dental fillings in Highland Village, TX are useful for treating dental decay and cavities. The decayed portion of the tooth is required to be removed which needs to be filled. Most dentists recommend amalgam and resin composite dental filling and both these fillings have their own pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings are also popularly known as silver fillings. It is a combination of silver, copper, mercury, and tin. Mercury consists about half of the compound and helps in binding the metals towards offering strength and durability. Mercury forms a safe and stable compound when mixed with other compounds.

Pros and Cons of Amalgam Fillings

Advantages

• Amalgam fillings are a proven technique and have been used for over a century.
• Amalgam fillings are cheaper and economical compared to resin composite fillings.
• Amalgam fillings are highly durable and with proper care can last between 10 to 15 years.

Disadvantages

• Amalgam fillings are easily visible to others.
• Some people can be sensitive to certain metals present in the amalgam fillings.

What Are Resin Composite Fillings?

Resin Composite fillings are made from plastic and ceramic compounds. As these resins mimic the natural appearance of the teeth, these the resin composite fillings easily blend in within your teeth. Resin Composite fillings are also popularly known as tooth-colored fillings or white fillings.

Pros and Cons of Resin Composite Fillings

Advantages

• Resin Composite fillings easily blend within the teeth and are almost impossible to detect while talking or eating.
• Resin Composite material easily bonds with the surface of the teeth.
• Using resin composite filling requires minimal removal of the teeth, as a result of this requires lesser drilling.

Disadvantages

• Resin Composite fillings require regular replacement as they are not as durable as amalgam fillings.
• The process of using composite filling requires longer time duration compared to amalgam fillings.

Dental fillings can aid in treating dental decay and preventing the decay from spreading further. To know which type of dental filling is suitable for your dental needs and budget, schedule an appointment with Campbell & Williams Family Dental to have your teeth examined and cavities filled.

Accept All Major Insurances

Amalgam (metal) fillings used to be fairly commonly used. While they were effective, they were very conspicuous and unattractive in a smile. Thanks to innovations in modern cosmetic dentistry, a cavity can now be filled with tooth-colored fillings for a more natural appearance.

The Purpose of Fillings

The back teeth, called the molars, are at a higher risk for cavities than other teeth because they have many pits and fissures in which food debris and plaque can collect. Because they are in the back, they are more difficult to reach and clean, allowing bacteria to attack the teeth and cause tooth decay. This can lead to cavities. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities, removing the decay and filling in the remaining space to restore function to the tooth. They can be applied to any tooth affected with a cavity.

What are tooth-colored fillings?

Also called white fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend in better with the surrounding teeth. They are made up of composite resin or porcelain and are much less noticeable than other materials such as amalgam or gold.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings in Highland Village, TX

• Allow you to laugh and talk without feeling self-conscious about your fillings being visible
• Provide a level of durability comparable to amalgam fillings
• It was previously believed that amalgam fillings could be harmful to health. Tooth-colored fillings get rid of these fears.

Getting Fillings

Cavities are usually detected during routine cleanings. They can also be felt by the patient if there is pain or irritation in a tooth. To have a tooth filled, the dentist will first numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. He or she will then remove the decay from the tooth and clean it thoroughly. The material for the filling will then be placed in layers to strengthen it. The filling material is then hardened with a special curing light and filed down to the right size and shape to provide to correct bite.

If you have developed a cavity, it is important to get it treated as soon as possible to prevent the cavity from growing deeper into the tooth. Contact our team to book an appointment today for dental fillings in Highland Village, TX. We look forward to seeing you soon!