Of the many different conditions that can call for a tooth to be restored, tooth decay is the most frequent. The infection in your tooth, which results in the formation of a cavity, is caused by oral bacteria destroying a tooth’s enamel and infecting its main structure. Fortunately, tooth decay and cavities can often be treated conservatively, and in a way that helps you preserve a maximum amount of the healthy tooth structure you still have left. In many cases, that can be accomplished with a tooth-colored filling, which can offer a significant number of benefits for your tooth compared to traditional metal fillings.
Addressing the cavity in your tooth
The nature of tooth decay is progressive, and cavities grow larger the more severe your tooth decay becomes. That’s why addressing your cavity as soon as possible is important to preserving your healthy, natural tooth. To succeed, your filling also has to prevent the tooth’s compromised structure from being exposed to harmful oral bacteria, which is how the tooth became infected in the first place. Tooth-colored fillings, which are comprised of biocompatible composite resin, are able to bond securely to your tooth in order to offer an enhanced level of protection against any further decay in your tooth.
The limitations of metal fillings
For patients who’ve worn metal fillings for years, or who have recently been diagnosed with a cavity, the appearance of metal in their tooth is one of the most notable limitations of metal fillings. Unable to blend in with your natural tooth structure, metal amalgam can shine noticeably anytime you smile or speak with someone. However, other limitations include the fact that they’re made from metal; patients with metal allergies, or who have other health concerns, may not be advised to receive metal fillings. Those that do often experience filling failure as the metal changes shape and loses its bond with the tooth structure over time.
A few benefits to tooth-colored fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are designed to eliminate the concerns that come with traditional metal fillings, starting with their appearance. The composite resin that the fillings are made from is a highly customizable material that your dentist can tint to match the unique color and shade of your tooth. In addition to blending in better with your smile, however, tooth-colored fillings also offer better protection and restoration thanks to their ability to conform more accurately to the shape of your cavity. Unlike metal, resin won’t change its shape over time, so your risks of needing more extensive treatment later are significantly reduced.
Restore your tooth better with a tooth-colored filling
If you have a cavity, or want to get rid of an old metal filling, then learn more about the benefits that tooth-colored fillings can have for your tooth and oral health. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Creekside Family Dental Care in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.
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