The Advantages of Tooth-colored Fillings - What Patients Should Know
When it comes to helping patients achieve great dental health, there are plenty of treatment options that we can use. One of the most common dental problems that our team addresses regularly is tooth decay. In most cases of minor to moderate tooth decay, dental fillings are used. Metal fillings were the standard for many, many years, but these days more dental health professionals are using tooth-colored dental fillings instead.
Our Albuquerque cosmetic dentist and the team at the practice would like to take just a few minutes right now to go over the basics of tooth-colored dental fillings. This will help give you a basic understanding of how we can meet your dental care needs.
About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored dental fillings are fillings that are made of special dental ceramics/composite materials. The fillings are white rather than dark gray like metal fillings, which means that they are less noticeable when in place. Similarly, there are tooth-colored versions of other dental restorations such as inlays, onlays, and Albuquerque dental crowns. These other kinds of dental restorations are ideal when a person has experienced major tooth decay that a filling is not sufficient to address.
So how do these tooth-colored fillings stack up against metal dental fillings? Let's take a moment to go over some of the problems associated with metal fillings.
The Cosmetic Problems of Metal Dental Fillings
The most obvious issue with metal fillings for most patients is their appearance, which is a legitimate concern. When in place, metal dental fillings are an off-putting dark gray/black color, which makes them very noticeable. The aesthetics aren't the only compelling issue to note when it comes to metal dental fillings, however.
Important Dental Health Issues Related to Dental Fillings
One of the biggest problems with metal filling is that they often contained mercury, which is highly toxic. In addition to this, metal fillings are also subject to minor fluctuations in size. When exposed to hot temperatures, the dental fillings will slightly expand; with cold temperatures, the dental fillings slightly contract. This may seem minor, but these occasional changes can cause damage to the teeth over time.
It's for these reasons that many patients have sought out a skilled Albuquerque cosmetic and restorative dentist for removal of metal fillings and replacement of those fillings with tooth-colored fillings.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings are Ideal
Since tooth-colored fillings are made of safe ceramic materials, there's no reason to worry about mercury exposure. Similarly, the dental composites will not alter their size in different temperatures either. Another important thing to consider is that tooth-colored dental fillings can be placed with less removal of tooth structure than metal fillings. As a general rule, the more natural tooth structure left intact, the better for patients down the road.
Schedule a Consultation for Advanced Dental Care Treatment
For more information about tooth-colored fillings and how you can achieve the best possible dental health, be sure to contact our Albuquerque cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve all of your dental health goals in the process.
