Dental Fillings
Newport Beach, CA
 For some of us, regardless of the level of personal attention we may give to our dental hygiene, sometimes due to overcrowding or hard-to-reach areas it can be difficult to remove all residue left behind by bacteria. In turn, this can create pockets of erosion called tooth decay on your enamel. Of course, our priority is to salvage the natural tooth, and if it is caught early enough, it can be fairly easy to not only repair your tooth, but also prevent further damage. At Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry we know how important it can be to have strong teeth that look as good as they feel.
What Is A Filling Used For?
Depending on the amount of decay, any number of methods can be used to preserve your tooth. Usually, a filling is implemented after the infection has been removed from your enamel as a means of stopping the bacteria from destroying your tooth. When the tooth is taken care of through daily brushing and flossing, many fillings can last for a long time and serve as an effective armor against the dangers of plaque buildup.
Amalgam is often used for filling the holes left behind by bacteria and decay. It can be seen as a rather archaic form when compared to modern advancements in dentistry, but this material still proves to be more resilient than many of the other materials available. Amalgam is usually composed of a blend of silver, tin, copper, or mercury and because it sets fast can be favored for those who would rather spend less time receiving treatment. It works especially well with young children and those who may have special needs.
Benefits Of Non Metal Fillings
Some may express concern at using amalgam fillings to restore their teeth because mercury is often a component of the mix. Because it helps make the amalgam pliable, it can be considered an essential part of the amalgam. That is why it is good to know that of the types of mercury available for use, the one that composes the amalgam filling is the most harmless. Also, because you are exposed to very little at a time, you are at low risk of receiving much mercury exposure.
Those who may still feel anxious may appreciate the use of tooth-colored fillings rather than the standard amalgam blend. This material used is known as composite, which consists of a mixture of silica and resin. It is most often recommended for teeth near the front which would make metal fillings more obvious.
The composite can be bonded directly to the dental surface, which means less of your enamel needs to be drilled to apply a suitable filling. This preserves more of the natural structure and can help keep your tooth strong. As an added benefit, the composite can be designed to match the color of your teeth so that any fillings you may have are practically unnoticeable.
If you would like to learn more about dental fillings and which type might be best suited to your needs, please give Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry a call at 949-991-2499 to schedule an appointment to talk about the best treatment plan for you. |
