Guide to Dental Fillings at A Plus Dental
In the past, if you needed a cavity repaired, metal amalgam fillings were the primary option to repair the damage.
However, dental fillings have improved greatly in the last couple of years, and today, patients have a more attractive option than traditional, noticeable metal fillings.
We offer tooth-coloured composite fillings to restore teeth to full form and function.
Dentists have repaired and filled cavities with silver-coloured (amalgam) fillings for generations. Although these fillings are considered safe and affordable, many people now opt for white fillings (composite resins) to repair their teeth and improve their smiles. Before deciding which filling is right, here’s what you need to know about your options.
Not all cavities are suitable for all cavity fillings, so it is essential that you know your options and the best treatment. Let’s look at the different types of cavity fillings and some of the benefits of composite fillings over traditional ones.
Gold fillings
Gold has been used in tooth repair for over 1,000 years. Because gold is durable and doesn’t corrode, gold mixed with other metals is sometimes used to make fillings called inlays and onlays.
These fillings can last 15 years or more, though they require a two-appointment process. Gold fillings are the most expensive choice due to the price of gold, plus the amount of work involved in shaping gold for dental use.
Amalgam fillings
Amalgam is a mix of metals, including tin, silver, copper, mercury, and zinc. These fillings are hard-wearing and less expensive than alternatives.
However, they require the removal of more tooth structures and can corrode over time, discolouring the remaining tooth enamel. The most significant disadvantage is their visible silver colour, which is relatively rare on front teeth.
White (composite) fillings
These composite resins—blends of plastics and tiny glass particles—can repair cavities and restore or correct a tooth’s colour and shape. The procedure is routine and consists of just one appointment.
Advantages of White Fillings
Dentists and patients usually list five advantages of composite fillings:
- Appearance– Unlike amalgam or gold fillings, composite fillings can be finished to look just like your natural teeth, as their colour can be blended into a seamless finish. This makes composites the ideal choice for front teeth, which need to be white and attractive in your smile.
- Versatility—Composite resin can repair chipped, broken, or severely worn teeth.
- Stability—Compared to other fillings, a composite filling requires less tooth structure to be removed to preserve more of the original tooth. The composite filling also bonds with the natural tooth, offering additional stability to teeth that may have been weakened by decay or breakage.
- Metal-Free—White fillings do not contain metal, particularly mercury. Some countries no longer use mercury fillings, and some studies suggest that mercury used in amalgam fillings can threaten health (the science on this is inconclusive).
- Protection—White fillings are not affected by temperature changes in the mouth, unlike amalgam fillings, which can contract and expand as temperatures change. This helps protect filled teeth from fracture.
Each filling material has pros and cons. White fillings are unsurpassed for keeping your brilliant smile, while amalgam fillings are stronger, longer-lasting, and more economical than composites or gold.
Whatever your preference, we suggest you come for a consultation to discuss which filling is best for your teeth. Together, we’ll come up with the perfect solution to protect your teeth and dental health!
What you can do to protect composite fillings
You’ll want to maintain basic oral hygiene to keep your composite fillings at their best and prevent additional repairs. While fillings don’t get cavities, the teeth they are in and nearby do.
So brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss once daily, preferably in the evening. Limit sugary foods and drinks, and visit your Campbelltown dentist regularly for routine examinations and cleanings.
Just like natural teeth, composite fillings need to be protected against changes in colour from smoking, coffee, tea, and other staining foods.
Dental Fillings in Campbelltown
A Plus Dental believes in honesty, trust, individuality, compassion, and comfort. Our goal is to provide our Campbelltown area patients, from infants to seniors, with caring, relaxing treatments in a comfortable environment.
When you choose us, you take the next step towards a beautiful, healthy smile with teeth that feel great in your mouth!!
We have over 30 years of combined experience and treat each patient with the utmost care and respect.
Call our Campbelltown dental practice at (02) 4627 3833 or visit us at Suite 3/300 Queen Street.
