When a tooth is decayed or damaged, a dental filling can restore its function and strengthen it against future damage. Dentists have a variety of filling materials from which they can select, yet two of the most often used these days are composite resin and amalgam. Composite resin dental fillings are tooth-colored dental fillings, making them the clear option for those who prefer a more natural-looking restoration.
Tooth-colored dental fillings offer distinct benefits over other kinds of fillings. Since they can be closely matched to an individual's own natural teeth, they are more aesthetically appealing than silver or gold fillings. This makes them especially popular in cases where a filling is required in visible areas of the mouth rather than in a molar.
When a cavity is present, the decayed portion of the tooth has to first be removed. When a traditional amalgam dental filling is placed, retention grooves should be added as well, which means that every time the dental filling is replaced, more tooth structure has to be removed. A tooth-colored filling does not need retention grooves. Only the decayed portion of the tooth has to be removed. The dentist will then place a liner to minimize sensitivity, and then layer in the filling, which forms a secure bond with the tooth, removing the need for retention grooves and preserving more tooth structure.
This bond can even strengthen the teeth. Amalgam fillings tend to expand and contract with temperature changes, thanks to their metal content. Tooth-colored fillings, are not affected by temperature changes, and they have been found to strengthen teeth by more than 75 percent of their original strength, according to a study that was published in "Dental Materials."
Eventually, composite resin fillings take longer to place, still they are ready to use immediately after placement. While amalgam fillings usually take several hours after placement before they are hard enough to use, a tooth-colored filling is cured in the dental office using a special light so that it is hardened and ready to use right away. This is convenient for many patients and reduces the risk of immediate filling loss or damage.
While there are many benefits to tooth-colored fillings, the choice of dental filling materials is one that should be made along with your dentist. Not all filling materials may be suitable for every situation or every patient. Composite resin dental fillings tend to be more costly than amalgam fillings, and not all dental insurance plans cover them.
In some situations, the lifespan of a tooth-colored filling may be less than that of an amalgam filling, which means it will need to be replaced more often. Tooth-colored dental fillings can also stain over time, just as your own natural teeth can, so it is crucial that you limit staining foods and beverages, avoid smoking, and maintain excellent dental hygiene habits in order to maintain your dental fillings.
Our cosmetic dentist at Wilshire Dental Care uses amalgam dental fillings, tooth colored dental fillings and various other kinds of dental fillings to restore a tooth damaged from decay or after a root canal treatment.