White Composite Fillings May Be the Best Choice for You: Learn 5 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Them
It used to be that if you needed a dental filling, you were going to get an amalgam filling. This is still a very strong material for fillings, and we use it frequently at California Dental Group. However, there are also many reasons that lead us to use white composite fillings on a regular basis. Keep reading to learn more about this option.
- You need filling materials that are similar to your teeth
- White composite fillings give you everything above and they look great too
- Using white composite fillings sometimes allow us to be more conservative in our treatment
- The entire process can often be completed in a single visit
- Both filling materials are safe and effective
You need a filling that has the same properties as your teeth. What does that mean? It means that the filling material needs to be strong, functional, and resilient. The filling material used should be both as strong as and as durable as natural teeth when you’re biting. You also need fillings to last for many years, be easy to place, and to be affordable. It used to be that amalgam fillings were the best for all of these needs but that’s no longer a given today.
One of the main advantages of white composite fillings is that they’re not just strong and durable, but they actually look just like your teeth. They can stand up to years of abuse but can be shade matched to your teeth. As a result, they’re often a top choice if you need a dental filling or other restoration in or near the front of your mouth. After all, who wouldn’t want their dental to work to be basically undetectable?
When we use amalgam fillings, we may need to do what’s called undercutting. Essentially, this removes some of the surface of the tooth structure. It may be necessary when bonding tooth-colored restorations to, but in most cases the patient will lose less tooth material with white composite fillings than with an amalgam filling. The benefit to you is that you have a strong tooth base.
Of course, it all depends on the extent of your oral health issues but it’s common that we can complete your entire filling process in one visit. In the event you need a larger volume of tooth structure to be replaced, then it may require a longer visit, or we may have a unique restoration made to exactly match your teeth. This can result in two visits.
If there’s one thing we want patients to know about both amalgam and white composite fillings, it’s that they’re safe and effective. In fact, it’s much more dangerous to allow a tooth to continue to decay. That can result in bone loss, gum disease, and the loss of the tooth altogether.
To learn more about your oral health, to find the best treatment for your cavities, and to learn to love your smile again, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.
