Despite the fact that cavities are so common (they affect more than 90% of adults at least once in their lives), many people are surprised when they learn they have one. If it’s the first cavity you’ve ever had, then you might also be surprised at how effectively and discreetly you can treat it. Traditionally, fillings have often been made from metal amalgam, and their metallic appearance is what many people think of when they consider a filling. However, at our El Paso, TX, dental office, we utilize tooth-colored composite resin to create customized fillings that often surprise patients with their lifelike appearance.
Today’s fillings don’t shine
Instead of an amalgam made from various trace metals, tooth-colored fillings are crafted from biocompatible composite resin, which consists of finely ground acrylic and quartz-like particles. Unlike metal, the resin can be custom tinted to match the unique color and shade of your healthy tooth structure. Once the resin is placed in your cavity, it will blend in discreetly with your tooth and those around it, rather than shining noticeably every time you bite, chew, speak, and smile.
They’re preventive as well as restorative
For a tooth filling to effectively restore your tooth, it has to be strong enough to withstand things like bite pressure without becoming damaged or forced out of place. Tooth-colored fillings make excellent restorations because they conform precisely to the shape of your cavity before being hardened in place. This not only restores the tooth, but also prevents harmful oral bacteria from once again reaching the exposed section of your tooth. With proper care and maintenance, your filling will help you avoid the need for more intensive treatment, such as root canal therapy or the eventual need to extract the tooth.
They’re highly biocompatible
In addition to being durable and highly discreet, composite resin fillings are also more biocompatible than metal, meaning they don’t negatively effect your healthy tooth structure. For example, resin doesn’t change shape over time as metal fillings often do, which could lead to tooth damage or a failed restoration. Resin also produces less friction against opposing teeth, so they won’t excessively wear down the opposite tooth as you bite and chew every day. Over time, this reduces your risks of needing further restorative treatment for one or more of your other teeth.
Treat your cavity with better results
If you’ve never received a tooth-colored filling, then their benefits to your oral health and your smile’s appearance may surprise you. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We also have offices in Chaparral, Canutillo, and Vinton so we can easily serve patients throughout all surrounding communities.