Dental fillings, a treatment that restores teeth infected by cavities, are most-often made from a mixture of silver, tin, copper, mercury, and other metals; also known as amalgam. While metal fillings are highly-durable, their popularity is due more to the fact that they’ve endured as effective restorations for over a century and a half. In more modern times, Dr. Smith offers patients a more advanced, and better looking, alternative to metal fillings in the form of white composite resin; commonly referred to as white tooth fillings.
Why a Cavity Needs a Dental Filling
A dental filling involves placing a manmade material, such as metal amalgam or composite resin, into a cleaned and disinfected tooth cavity,or hole in your tooth. Tooth decay, the force behind cavity formation, is caused by infectious oral bacteria, the main components of dental plaque. Once the bacteria are cleared away, a filling can be placed inside of the cavity to restore the tooth’s strength and protect it from infection in the future.
White Tooth Fillings: The Better-Looking Alternative
Since your tooth can’t repair itself, a cavity can leave it structurally weak, and one of a tooth filling’s main responsibilities is restoring its strength. To do so, it must be strong enough to withstand your bite’s pressure. Composite resin is a tooth-colored mixture of acrylic particles that’s applied in a liquid form, allowing it to conform to the shape of your cavity more thoroughly than amalgam. Besides blending in with your smile, white tooth fillings can also be bonded to the surface of your tooth, increasing the structural stability of your restoration.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.
