Tooth fillings are used to repair teeth that have suffered a cavity (a hole caused by the dental infection, tooth decay). The decayed tooth structure is removed, and the cavity is filled with a biocompatible material. Tooth-colored fillings, unlike metal ones, are made from a composite acrylic resin that resembles the color and appearance of your natural tooth structure. Using the discreet but effective resin, Dr. Okoniewski can treat your cavity while maintaining your smile’s natural, uniform appearance.
How Tooth Fillings Work
Tooth decay begins at a tooth’s outer layer of enamel. When oral bacteria bombard enamel with acids, the layer grows thin and eventually develops a hole. The hole, or cavity, allows bacteria to infect the tooth’s main structure, called dentin, and the cavity will grow as the bacteria spread through the tooth. A filling procedure stops the cavity from growing by removing the infection and affected tooth structure. Then, the filling material is placed in the sanitized cavity to restore the tooth’s strength and protect its inner tissues.
Why We Use Composite Fillings
In the past, metal amalgam (a mixture of trace metals, including silver and mercury) was the most popular filling material due to its durability. However, metal fillings contrast with your tooth’s natural pearly-white appearance, and like all metals, they can change shape over time, damaging your tooth structure.
Tooth-colored fillings offer several advantages over traditional metal ones, including;
- Appearance – as their name suggests, tooth-colored fillings are designed to specifically match your tooth’s color, creating a virtually-invisible restorative solution.
- Function – compared to metal amalgam, composite resin bonds more securely to your tooth’s structure to create a more durable seal against oral bacteria.
- Biocompatibility – resin fillings produce less friction than metal ones, significantly reducing the risks of excessive wear on your opposing teeth.
Enjoy a More Discreet Tooth-Colored Filling
If you have a cavity, then treat it with a safer, more reliable, and more attractive tooth-colored filling. To schedule a visit with Dr. Okoniewski, call Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI today at (248) 852-1820.
