Tooth fillings have been around almost as long as clinical dentistry itself (and perhaps longer), and today, they remain one of the most frequently recommended treatments. Part of the reason why is because cavities, the condition that fillings treat, are still the most common dental health issue around the world. The other reason is that modern fillings have come a long way over the centuries, and today’s restorations can improve your tooth’s appearance as well as treat a cavity and restore your tooth’s good health. Today, we take a look at a few facts about fillings, and how they became the discreet, highly effective restorations they are now.
Modern Tooth Fillings
- Tooth fillings get their names from what they do; they fill the cavity (hole) left in your tooth from the progression of tooth decay. After cleaning the cavity to remove harmful oral bacteria and any infected tooth structure, your dentist places a biocompatible material into the cavity to replace the healthy tooth structure that the decay destroyed.
- A tooth filling is only as good as its material. In the past, our ancestors tried using a variety of filling materials, including beeswax, but usually to no avail. For the past hundred years or so, dentists have relied on metal amalgam. However, while strong, metal fillings pose a number of problems to certain types of patients, including the elderly, the ill, and those with metal allergies.
- Today’s tooth fillings take the lesson in durability from metal fillings, but eliminate the metal to make them safer. Made from tooth-colored composite resin, a mixture of biocompatible acrylic particles, tooth-colored fillings are strong enough to withstand your bite yet customizable to match your tooth’s natural color.
Learn More About Modern Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings have come a long way from the primitive materials used centuries ago. To learn more about today’s modern fillings, schedule an appointment by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in the East, Northeast, and Westside of El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.