Six Must-know Facts About Tooth-colored Fillings

Despite your best efforts, tooth decay can occur. Dental fillings in Fort McMurray, Alberta, treat most cavities, rebuilding your tooth’s shape, appearance, and strength. Dental fillings can be created from several materials, but StoneycreekVillage Dental prefers tooth-colored (composite) fillings because of their aesthetics and safety record. 

What you need to know about tooth-colored fillings

When you have tooth decay or damage, it’s not a matter of fixing your tooth with just any material. We carefully select the filling material to ensure satisfactory restorative and cosmetic benefits. Our office provides composite fillings. Here’s what you need to know about these restorative gems. 

1. Tooth-like appearance
   Amalgam (silver) fillings have been a staple in restorative dentistry for decades because of their durability and ease of placement. Unfortunately, amalgams present aesthetic drawbacks. Their metallic, silver-gray appearance makes them conspicuous when you open your mouth. This lack of natural tooth coloration can detract from the overall appearance of your smile. 
   Composite fillings are tooth-colored, so they blend seamlessly with your smile. Composite fillings are less noticeable, even in visible areas like the front teeth. 
   
2. Safety
   Amalgam fillings are created from several metals, including tin, zinc, copper, and mercury. Yes, you read that right—amalgams have 50% mercury content, making them harmful to the body. 
   
   Composite fillings are made from finely ground glass and acrylic plastic. These materials are BPA—and mercury-free, so composites don’t create aesthetic concerns.
   
   Composite fillings are also metal-free. This makes them suitable for patients with metal allergies or those who prefer to avoid metal in their dental work. Also, composites don’t corrode, preventing discoloration of the surrounding tooth structure.
   
3. Versatility
   Composite fillings are popular for treating cavities. However, composite fillings have more uses in dentistry. Beyond treating cavities, composite resin can repair chipped or broken teeth, cover discoloration, and fill gaps between teeth.
   
4. Maximum tissue preservation
   When we want to repair your tooth, we opt for methods that result in less drilling, preserving as much of the healthy structure as possible. Placing tooth-colored only requires removing some of the enamel, yet patients enjoy maximum retention. Preserving more of the healthy structure maintains its strength and prevents future cracks. 
   
5. Single-visit convinience
   Composite fillings are a direct dental restoration. This means the entire restoration can be completed inside your mouth without involving a lab. This way, we can complete dental fillings in a single visit. 
   
   To place a filling, we’ll remove the decayed portions of the tooth and clean the area thoroughly until all the harmful bacteria are gone. Next, the dentist fills the cavity with composite resin, reshapes the filling, and hardens it with a special curing light. The final step is to adjust the filling until the bite feels natural. The procedure is quick and painless because we use local anesthetics. 
   
6. They are long-lasting
   Composite fillings are a long-lasting option for tooth restoration. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, composite fillings can last over 10 years. Their durability makes them a reliable option for restoring decayed or damaged teeth.

Dental fillings near me in Fort McMurray 

Composite fillings are integral in restorative dentistry, offering a natural-looking solution for cavities and minor tooth damage. Ready to get started? Call [phhone] and schedule an appointment with Drs. Yohannes Melkie, Alan Chan, and Cristina Rodrigo.

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