Composite Fillings for a safe, attractive, and tooth-preserving way to repair cavities
At Creo Dentistry in Marysville, Washington, we work closely with patients and their families to protect the health of their teeth and the beauty of their smiles. However, should you ever need to have damage to a tooth repaired, Dr. Dan Hwang excels at restorations that are as safe and durable as they are pleasing to the eye.
The “basics”
Fillings represent one of the most common types of dental restorations. As their name suggests, each filling is expertly designed from a dental material and placed in eroded areas of the tooth to “fill in” and repair these holes or cavities.
Dr. Hwang’s filling material of choice is the “composite.” A mixture of glass and plastic particles, composites are hypoallergenic and kind to surrounding tissues. When color-matched to the surrounding tooth structure, they replicate the appearance of natural teeth well. Additionally, composites are built to “go the distance.” Only a tiny amount of tooth structure must be removed to accommodate composite fillings. Such conservative techniques support the long-lasting health and functionality of the treated tooth. All of these characteristics also present advantages over the “traditional” material for fillings: amalgams.
A better filling material
Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of metals. They are silver-colored and tend to stick out unnaturally from the rest of the tooth and surrounding teeth. Patients may have allergies or sensitivities to amalgam fillings. So, there is the risk of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction. More of the natural tooth must be drilled away to accommodate the amalgam filling. In turn, this type of filling is a less conservative option than composite fillings that preserve maximum natural tooth structure.
Additionally, amalgams are subject to the “wedging effect.” Over time, this material swells. The filling absorbs moisture inside of the mouth. The expanded filling hastens “wedging” when pieces of the tooth fracture or break off. Plus, this process lifts the fillings’ surfaces, which creates a gap between the restoration and the natural tooth structure (at the “margin”). Amalgam is largely susceptible to expansion and contraction due to fluctuating temps. So, your tooth or filling may be vulnerable to many micro-fractures or cracks.
The world has considerably changed since amalgams were introduced 100-plus years ago. We now have superior materials and techniques to rebuild your teeth and recapture the beauty and health of your smile. Serving Lake Stevens, Arlington, Everett, Stanwood, Camano Island, and surrounding communities, Creo Dentistry in Marysville, WA, looks forward to your call — (360) 502-7217.
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