You may be all too familiar with cavities and fillings. Cavities are a common consequence of tooth decay. Fillings are an effective treatment for replacing the lost tooth material and for protecting the interior of the tooth from further decay.
Traditionally fillings have been made of a bend of different metals called an amalgam. That amalgam includes some silver, and the blend of metal looks silver. As a result, this traditional filling is usually called a silver filling.
While silver fillings (and in some cases gold fillings) are common and traditional, “silver” isn’t the only material that can be used to fill cavities. If you’re considering having a cavity filled or a filling replaced at a dental clinic in Chestermere, you can also opt for a composite tooth-coloured filling. Composite fillings aren’t made from metal but are made out of a blend of plastic and resin materials. The material fills your cavity, protects your tooth, and matches the colour of your teeth. As you investigate the availability of composite fillings near you, we’ll provide some general answers to very common questions about them. To discover how they may help your particular situation, contact a dental clinic near you for an assessment.
Are composite fillings safer?
The blend of materials that makes up a “silver” filling includes the material mercury. Long term exposure to mercury has been associated with neurological and behavioural disorders. Mercury is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. While studies into the long term safety of amalgam fillings have gone in different directions, one thing is clear. Composite fillings contain no mercury, meaning that you can completely eliminate any mercury-related risks by opting for a composite filling.
Will a composite filing match your tooth?
You may sometimes see composite fillings referred to as “white” fillings. They aren’t actually white, but the composite material is blended and prepared so that it matches the colour of your teeth. Why? To achieve the objective of filling your cavity and protecting your tooth subtly and discreetly. This may be particularly important if the filling is in a location that would be visible to others if that’s something you’d rather avoid.
How long will composite fillings last?
To answer this question precisely, you should arrange an appointment with a dentist at a dental clinic near you. Your dentist will examine the condition of your teeth, the alignment of your teeth and bite, and your general oral hygiene. The dentist will also look for any signs that you clench your jaw or grind your teeth. All those factors contribute to the lifespan of a composite filling. Fillings will gradually wear down just like your natural enamel wears down, but you can preserve the lifespan of a filling by avoiding some bad habits and dedicating yourself to good oral hygiene.
What is involved in getting a composite filling?
The process of getting composite fillings in Chestermere consists of four main steps. First, your dentist will remove the decayed parts of your tooth. Second, the tooth will be completely cleaned. Third, the composite resin (much like a putty) will be applied to your teeth and shaped to fill the cavity and protect your tooth. This shaping is important to define the biting surface of the tooth and how it will meet the biting surfaces of the teeth in your other jaw. Finally, your dentist will harden the composite material before finishing it off by smoothing and polishing.
Typically, a single composite filling takes about 30 minutes to accomplish. Your dentist will give you detailed instructions to protect your cavity after it’s been placed. Within a day or two, you’ll be completely accustomed to eating with your newly protected tooth.
To find out about the availability and suitability of composite fillings near you, contact a dental clinic near you and ask for an appointment when a dentist can take a look at your teeth and answer any other questions.