FAQ

Question 1

What are Tooth-Colored Dental Cavity Fillings?

Accepted Answer

A tooth-colored filling or dental composite is a strong, durable, and natural-looking material used to repair teeth damaged by decay or injury. The filling material is made from resin (plastic) combined with fine glass particles. Tooth-colored fillings are usually used for small to medium cavities and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. There are different types of tooth-colored fillings which include gold and porcelain. A gold filling is a type of dental restoration that uses gold to fill in cavities or to restore cracked or broken teeth. They are solid and durable, but they are also costly. Gold fillings are usually only used in back teeth because they are less noticeable in these teeth. A porcelain (ceramic) filling is a type of dental restoration that uses porcelain to fill in cavities or to restore cracked or broken teeth. This type of filling is matched to the color of your natural teeth and is less noticeable than other types of fillings. Tooth-colored fillings offer many benefits over traditional metal (amalgam) fillings. Some of these benefits include:

Improved aesthetics – tooth-colored fillings are less noticeable than metal fillings and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
Improved strength and durability – tooth-colored fillings are made from strong, durable materials that can last for many years with proper care.
Reduced sensitivity – tooth-colored fillings do not contain metal, which means they are less likely to cause sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Question 2

Do I Need A Cavity Filling?

Accepted Answer

If you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed tooth material and place the filling in the hole. The filling material is placed in layers, and each layer is hardened with a special light before the next layer is added. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities because a dentist wants to remove the decayed part (the pit) and fill it to stop any further damage from occurring. While there aren’t ways to draw a cavity without a filling, there are ways to reverse the decay. However, if the cavity is large or there is extensive decay, a crown (cap) may be necessary to restore the tooth. A crown is placed over the entire tooth and is made from various materials, including gold, porcelain, or a metal alloy. Some people are concerned about the safety of dental amalgam (silver) fillings because they contain mercury. Many people are apprehensive about trips to the dentist because filling cavities can be scary and uncomfortable. In the past, dentists have filled every cavity. However, these alternatives may vary depending on the size and depth of the cavity, your own risk of getting cavities, and how well you take care of your teeth here at Monahan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.