Dental Fillings Service

What Are Dental Fillings?

A filling is a widely used method for restoring a damaged tooth to its natural look and function. If the damage has been caused by decay, your dentist will need to begin by removing all decayed tooth material. Next, he will thoroughly clean the affected area. Finally, he will fill the affected area with a filling. Fillings have the additional benefit of preventing further decay by sealing off any area where bacteria could enter and begin to cause decay.

Silver and composite fillings are among the various types of filling material available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best option for restoring your teeth.

For many years, silver fillings have been the standard choice to restore small amounts of tooth decay. Silver fillings are made up of 50% silver/tin alloy and 50% mercury. The biggest advantage of silver fillings is that they are quickly placed, relatively durable, and inexpensive. Amalgam possesses greater longevity than other restorative materials, such as composite. On average, most amalgam restorations serve 10 to 12 years, whereas composite fillings serve for about half that time.

Silver fillings have the disadvantage of being more noticeable than composite fillings, as well as needing to remove more healthy tooth structure than necessary in order for the filling to stay in place.

Composite fillings are a great option for keeping your smile beautiful while restoring teeth that have fractured or decayed. Unlike silver fillings, composite fillings are made of quartz-like material, making them virtually invisible once they are placed. Composite fillings are not only attractive but also environmentally non-toxic because they do not contain mercury.

The initial investment in a composite filling is higher than that for a silver filling. This is because the composite material is more expensive and the restoration process is more time-consuming. However, many patients feel that the benefits of composite fillings outweigh the cost.

If you need more information, contact our office today. The staff at Birch Street Dental Care will be happy to answer your questions. We're a locally owned and operated dental clinic.