If you’ve ever had a cavity treated, chances are that it was with a dental filling (unless you waited too long, and your tooth required root canal therapy; or worse, an extraction). If you’ve never had a cavity, then chances are that you know someone who has, and who still has the metal, or silver, dental filling to show it. The thing is, despite the fact that cavities are so common, you might not want your dental filling to tell the world that you’ve experienced one. With tooth-colored fillings, you can enjoy the relief of treating your cavity without the conspicuousness of using metal to do it.

How They Look

The most noticeable benefit of tooth-colored composite resin (the material used for tooth-colored fillings) over traditional metal amalgam is its appearance. As their name suggests, the resin restorations can be carefully tinted to match the color and shade of your tooth, blending in with your smile instead of flashing metallically.

How They Interact with Teeth

The more comprehensive benefit of tooth-colored fillings is that they can be bonded to the afflicted tooth’s structure, unlike metal. The bond increases the tooth and filling’s structural integrity, making the restoration less likely to allow bacteria back into your tooth. Composite resin is also strong enough to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing, though if you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you may risk damaging the filling.

Should You Replace Current Metal Fillings?

If you’ve already had a metal filling placed in a cavity, then you may have to have it replaced once it fails. To avoid the risks of reinfection, you can replace the metal filling with a more discreet, and more effective, tooth-colored one before your current restoration fails. To discuss upgrading your current metal fillings, speak with Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron as soon as possible.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.