Why patients are choosing tooth-colored fillings for treating cavities
In the past, and even nowadays, many dentists use silver amalgam fillings for areas of tooth decay. However, there are many disadvantages to this material when compared to composite resin tooth-colored fillings. Aurora, Illinois area patients are welcome to talk to Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin and his team at Total Health Dental to learn about the benefits of tooth-colored dental fillings for smile restoration.
Why might a patient choose tooth-colored dental fillings for areas of decay?
There are many reasons why patients select tooth-colored dental fillings for cavities over silver amalgam fillings. Below are just a few of our findings:
- Appearance. Tooth-colored fillings are considered more aesthetically pleasing, as they blend in with the natural color of teeth. They are also less noticeable than silver amalgam fillings and do not cause a slight metallic taste in the mouth for some patients.
- Soft and safe materials. Another benefit of tooth-colored fillings is that they are made of composite resin, a softer material than metal. That makes them less likely to cause damage to teeth over time.
- Biocompatibility. Composite resin is biocompatible with the human body, meaning that it is safe for both your teeth and your gums. That is not true for silver amalgam fillings which are formulated with approximately 50% mercury–a substance toxic to the human body.
- Less corrosion. Tooth-colored dental fillings are also less likely to corrode over time, unlike metal fillings.
- No expansion or contraction. Silver amalgam fillings tend to expand and contract with temperature changes, leaving the inner portion of the tooth susceptible to the entrance of bacteria. That can lead to a future infection that might require additional treatments such as root canal therapy to save the tooth from extraction.
- Cost comparison. The cost of tooth-colored fillings is comparable to silver amalgam; however, patients will not need additional treatments because composites last longer than silver amalgam.
- Conservative. Tooth-colored fillings require less removal of decayed material from teeth than the alternative, which leaves as much of the natural, healthy tooth structure as possible.
How do I find out more about composite resin fillings?
If you have a cavity and would like to learn more about the advantages of composite resin fillings, connect with Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin and his team at Total Health Dental in Aurora, IL. The office is located at 2460 S. Eola Road and accepts new and returning patients who call (630) 822-9600 to request an appointment.
