Porcelain Fillings
A cavity is a common dental issue requiring a filling to preserve the tooth. In the past, cavities were filled with metal amalgam. Modern dentistry has discovered metal amalgam may not be safe, since the material contains up to 50% mercury, which is potentially damaging to the gums and teeth. Additionally, metal fillings are not very attractive when smiling, yawning, eating or talking.
A more modern solution is the tooth-colored filling which eliminates both the unsightliness and possible health risks of metal amalgam fillings. A tooth-colored filling may be made of porcelain or a composite resin material. With either option the result is a natural looking, virtually undetectable restoration that can enhance your smile and boost your self-esteem.
While many patients of InStyle Dental have their cavities repaired with tooth-colored fillings, many others visit Dr. Kar to request removal of old metal fillings and replacement with the newer materials. While it is not always medically necessary that old fillings be removed, many people would rather be safe than sorry.
Other Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Appearance is not the only consideration. Function is very important. Porcelain and composite resin filling materials, chemically speaking, are more stable than metal amalgam. These new materials do not expand and contract with temperature changes. This means less opportunity for undue stress on your teeth that may lead to costly repair of fractures.
Other benefits of tooth-colored fillings over metal fillings include:
- A smaller hole can be made in your tooth, as composite flows easily into smaller places
- More of your natural tooth is left, to help the tooth structure stay stronger. As well composite bonds better to the tooth, preventing breakage
- Secondary decay is more detectable underneath tooth-colored fillings
- Composite materials are safe, non-hazardous, and include no metal to dispose of and no mercury to cause an allergic reaction
- No waiting for a cavity to grow large enough to fill. Composite fillings can fix very small cavities.
- Composite materials insulate the tooth, preventing sensitivity and potential fracturing caused by hot and cold drinks and food
- Tooth-colored fillings last, on average, seven to ten years
InStyle Dental believes in following current guidelines for the most up-to-date dental health practices, even if this means abandoning methods we’ve used for some time. At InStyle Dental, we no longer use metal restorations because potential harm from mercury can occur. As always, our dental technology and techniques are cutting-edge, keeping in mind your comfort, safety and excellent results at all times.
