Tooth Colored Fillings How We Make Cavities Disappear
For nearly 200 years, silver or amalgam fillings have been used to repair small cavities and slightly damaged teeth. The first mercury-based amalgam was invented by an English chemist in 1819. The content of these fillings changed over the course of time—mercury, silver, tin, copper, and gold were all metals commonly used—but these remained the only materials available for tooth repair. Eventually, people became concerned about whether or not the mercury in fillings could harm a person’s health. Not until fairly recently, however, did a viable alternative become available. Today, tooth-colored fillings offer a strong solution for filling a cavity without presenting any of the drawbacks associated with amalgam fillings.
Why Choose Us for Tooth Colored Fillings?
- Always custom-shaded to match every patient’s smile
- 100% pain-free procedure
- Won’t make a tooth more sensitive to hot or cold
Drawbacks of Amalgam Fillings
In addition to the possible health concerns that may result from mercury leaching into your system, silver or amalgam fillings present other disadvantages. First, they can leave a noticeable dark spot in your smile. Also, some people experience metal sensitivity from silver fillings. Hot or cold foods and beverages may also cause discomfort.
The Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
As the name implies, tooth-colored fillings blend in with the natural color of your teeth. They are made of composite resin materials, which our dentists select and mix to perfectly match your tooth color. Now when you smile, nobody will see a darkened spot and know that you’ve had a cavity filled.
The composite resin used to make tooth-colored fillings is a medical-grade plastic that is completely biocompatible. Therefore, there is never any risk of tooth sensitivity. Additionally, these materials are extremely strong and can withstand the pressures of normal chewing and biting. In fact, a tooth-colored filling will actually bond with the remaining tooth structure. Thus, the pressure on your tooth when you eat is evenly distributed throughout the tooth so there is less risk of cracks or leakage, which were always a possibility with amalgam fillings that were only held in place by pressure.
Caring for Tooth-Colored Fillings
Our dentists always recommend twice daily brushing and once-a-day flossing for your teeth, and the same holds true for tooth-colored fillings. If you happen to be a coffee or tea drinker, then you may want to brush more often because composite resin materials can stain. With proper oral hygiene at home and regularly scheduled dental checkups, you can expect your tooth-colored fillings to last at least 10 years.
Contact Bethel Dental Clinic to schedule your restorative dentistry appointment with us. Located in Accra, Ghana, we serve all of Ghana, as well as patients from overseas.
