The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Posted on: Aug 15 2019
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Restorative dentistry is often necessary to repair areas where disease or decay have impacted the smile. However, that doesn’t mean that a patient has to LOOK like they had dental work done. When tooth decay becomes an issue and fillings need to be placed, Dr. Casey Patterson of Simi Valley, CA may suggest the use of tooth-colored fillings.
Understanding tooth-colored fillings
Fillings have been used for decades by dentists to address areas of tooth decay which occur in the natural teeth. However, many have used materials such as silver amalgam fillings. Not only are these considered harmful for the smile, these fillings are also unsightly. They are dark and very noticeable when a patient smiles, laughs, and talks with others.
Instead, our team recommends the use of tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are not only effective at addressing areas of decay, but they are practically impossible to notice within the smile. These fillings are made of composite resin, a materials that is long-lasting and strong. Patients can maintain these fillings for many years with proper dental care habits including brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits.
What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?
- Color – the first and foremost benefit is that of their appearance. Tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin are made to match the color of the patient’s natural tooth. This way, when the dentist places the dental filling, the tooth is repaired yet still looks like the natural tooth, regardless of how much dental filling was used.
- Safety – silver amalgam fillings have been known for producing toxins from the mercury content, which formulates approximately half of the filling. Mercury is not safe for patients, so tooth-colored fillings can be a wonderful alternative.
- Placement – composite resin bonding is a material that does not change shape and size as silver amalgam fillings do when reacting to extreme temperature changes. Expanding and contracting of fillings can cause holes which allow bacteria to enter the tooth, which in turn can result in an infection.
Interested in learning more about tooth-colored fillings?
Dr. Casey Patterson and his team of professionals in Simi Valley, CA welcome patients to call the office at (805) 584-1194 to book an appointment and ask about aesthetic dental fillings for areas of decay. The practice is located in Suite #2B of 2720 Cochran Street and is accepting new patients.
Posted in: Tooth Filling