You hear the dreaded news- you have a cavity. However, it’s not the end of your tooth or teeth. Dentists generally use fillings to treat cavities. While no one wants to come in for a follow-up treatment, cavities left untreated can have lasting effects. At West Gate Dental, we offer tooth-colored fillings that can not only fill the cavity, but that can also work aesthetically well with your teeth. For a long time, fillings used to just be a silver metal color, making it stand out. Today, you don’t have to worry about that! To learn more about tooth-colored fillings, keep reading!
Emphasis Top 5 Benefits of White-Colored Fillings
- Looks- Tooth-colored fillings blend in with your surrounding tooth structure so no one else can tell that you have had a cavity. Silver or gold fillings can stand out, whether you're talking, yawning, or laughing. With white ones, no one else can tell you've had a cavity.
- Mercury-Free- Metal filling can contain some mercury, which is a toxic material. Although the amount of mercury in silver amalgam fillings is low and not considered dangerous, the FDA recommends that certain groups avoid the material. This can include pregnant women, nursing women, and women who intend to get pregnant. Children, patients with kidney issues, and those who suffer from certain pre-existing neurological conditions should also stay away from metal fillings.
- Long-Lasting- Tooth-colored fillings can last for a decade or more. You’ll just have to ensure that you’ll keep up your oral hygiene regime, such as brushing and flossing. It’s also important to visit your oral health care provider for regular check-ups. To avoid bad habits, don’t chew on inedible objects, ice, or hard candies. These habits can chip, fracture, or dislodge your dental fillings.
- Quick to Install- Tooth-colored fillings are quick to install and are painless. During the procedure, the doctor will clean and remove any infected tooth material. Next, tooth-colored resin (tinted to match the natural shade of your teeth) will be applied directly into the cavity that has been left by the tooth decay. Then, your doctor will shape the composite resin material to maintain your natural bite. This process can take up to 15-20 minutes.
- Strengthen Your Tooth Structure- The resin that is applied to tooth-colored fillings bonds to your existing tooth, and your natural tooth structure won’t have to be removed as much as with metal fillings. They also won’t expand and crack like regular metal fillings.
Emphasis : Get a Dental Filling Today!
At West Gate Dental, we offer tooth-colored fillings in the Lincoln, NE area! Dr. Sowers and her staff provide comprehensive, holistic dental services to everyone who walks through our office. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us today! Schedule your first appointment today so we can check your oral health. We are excited to work with you towards a healthier smile.