When some patients think about their own oral health, the first thing that comes to mind is cavities. This health condition is one of the most commonly diagnosed complications in the world and it can affect individuals of all ages. For many years, there has been only one choice for restoring a smile after a cavity has developed: silver fillings. With the amazing advances that continue to take place in the field of restorative dentistry, there are now effective, comfortable, and attractive solutions for all men that would like to restore the health and appearance of their smile.

When a tooth is completely healthy, it will last for a patient's whole lifetime. Many habits that humans engage in can affect the health or appearance of a tooth, but the interior pulp will re-mineralize the outer enamel layer throughout the years. No matter how careful an individual is with their oral health however, damage and decay can happen at any time, often caused by the foods that one eats.

Food debris left on the teeth will gradually start to turn into plaque and tartar. These two substances cling to the smallest crevices of the mouth and will interact with all of the food that is eaten in the future to produce bacteria and acids. In turn, this acid can attack the enamel of the teeth and cause dental decay and caries. While silver fillings are very effective, they do come with some disadvantages that patients would like to avoid.

Silver or another similar metal amalgam is often selected for fillings because of their anti-bacterial characteristics as well as how quickly and easily they can be placed in the mouth. For some individuals, they can be uncomfortable however, causing a sharp sensation whenever they come into contact with other metals, such as eating utensils. There is also a risk of sensitivity to extreme temperatures within the mouth. With white fillings, many of these drawbacks are no longer a concern for patients that need to restore their teeth.

White fillings are made from a very durable composite that can be stained to perfectly match the color of the natural teeth. This means that a patient will once again be able to smile with confidence and avoid the appearance of silver fillings within their mouth. There will also be no interaction between these filings and any metal objects that they come into contact with. Individuals will also be able to lower their chances for sensitivity within the mouth due to extreme temperatures.

Tooth decay remains a serious complication for patients of all ages from around the world. Those that are currently struggling with this health condition should speak with their local dentist to see which of these restorative options may be correct for them.

Shahdad Arami DDS, Northridge cosmetic dentist uses many types of fillings for tooth restoration. This Northridge white fillings specialist uses white fillings to preserve the appearance and color of the teeth as well.