If you think you might have a cavity, the time to get it treated is now, not later. It’s all too common for people to put off dental appointments because they don’t want to deal with the hassle and the potential discomfort of a trip to the dentist’s chair.
But when cavities aren’t filled in by a dental professional, the damage spreads and can lead to much more serious oral health issues.
If you haven’t had a cavity filled in a while, you may not know that dentistry has come a long way since the days of silver fillings. Silver amalgam fillings were common in the past, but they had a few significant drawbacks. First, they stood out next to the natural color of the enamel. Second, they contained mercury, which posed a health risk if it leaked into the body.
This is why composite fillings are now the preferred way to treat cavities.
The Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings match the color of your surrounding teeth for a subtle and natural look that doesn’t announce to the world that you’ve had dental work done. They are also strong and restore your tooth to its full range of function.
Made of a combination of plastic and ceramic, composite fillings are highly durable and can stand up to moderate pressure and normal usage. They are typically used to fill in cracks, chips, and cavities, but are also versatile and can be used to reshape teeth and adjust their coloring.
Composite fillings also allow you to keep more of your natural tooth. When a cavity is filled in, the damaged or decayed part of the tooth must first be removed before the filling is installed to restore the tooth. The resin used in composite fillings is flexible and can mold to your existing tooth in a way that silver amalgam fillings can’t. This means less drilling is required while you’re in the dentist’s chair and you can preserve more of your real tooth.
Find Out More
Have you been checked for cavities recently? It’s important to see your dentist for your six-month checkups and whenever something feels wrong in your teeth and gums, whether it’s pain, soreness, or sensitivity. Fillings are generally covered by insurance and considered an essential general dentistry procedure. Contact us to schedule your appointment.
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