While being told you need dental treatment isn't the best news, the fact that it's a filling is positive since it's one of the most affordable and quick dental procedures. A filling stops tooth decay in its tracks, protecting your tooth from developing future problems that could be more costly and uncomfortable.
Here's everything you need to know about tooth-colored fillings in Chesterfield, MO, so you can feel comfortable when it's time to complete this innovative procedure.
Dental Fillings 101
Years ago, dentists used metal amalgam material to fill cavities. While they provided durability, metal fillings also came with some concerns. Some patients had allergic reactions to the metal in their mouths. Metal fillings also require the removal of a significant amount of tooth structure for placement.
Metal also reacts to temperature changes by expanding and contracting. Over time, this causes metal fillings to pull away from the tooth structure, which eventually allows bacteria back into the tooth to cause decay and damage again. Many patients have replaced their metal fillings with composite material for this reason.
These days, dentists choose composite resin fillings for several reasons that benefit our patients:
- Aesthetics — Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with your smile to ensure that no one notices your dental work.
- Durability — Composite bonds directly to your tooth for strength and longevity.
- Structure preservation — Dr. Mahlin doesn't have to remove as much tooth structure for placement, making them less invasive. Composite fillings preserve more of your natural tooth.
- No metal — Patients with metal allergies don't have to worry about reacting to their dental fillings.
Composite Resin: A Versatile Material
Through a procedure known as dental bonding, your dentist in Chesterfield, MO, can also use composite resin material to fix other minor cosmetic dental concerns, such as:
- Gaps between teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Tooth discoloration
- Size or shape discrepancies
- Worn teeth
If you have questions or need more information about dental bonding or fillings, contact Clarkson Dental Group at (636) 537-0065 and speak with a friendly team member.