Tooth decay is common, and a cavity is usually not a cause for alarm. In many cases, a dentist can restore the shape and function of the tooth by removing the decayed tissue and cleaning the affected area, then filling the cavity with a white filling.
By closing off the space where bacteria can enter the tooth, a filling can help prevent further decay, so you will want to get a cavity taken care of sooner rather than later. If you’re in the Orinda, California, area, you can receive white fillings as well as a full range of dental care from the gentle dentists at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp.
The Many Benefits of White Fillings
At Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp., we use white fillings exclusively to restore teeth damaged by decay or trauma—we never use silver-colored amalgams. Why? There are many reasons. For instance, white fillings are:
Metal-Free
Amalgam fillings contain mercury, tin, silver, copper, and zinc. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children over age six, we prefer white fillings, which are made of composite resins and contain no metals of any kind.
Less Invasive
White fillings require the removal of less tooth material than amalgam fillings. Therefore, when placing a white filling, we can preserve more of the healthy tooth and maintain its natural integrity.
Better Bonding
Composite resins are applied to the tooth layer by layer, bonding with the tooth material for a seamless fit that will not shrink over time like an amalgam filling can. This reduces the likelihood that bacteria will seep in and reinfect the tooth.
More Comfortable
Unlike metal fillings, which conduct both hot and cold temperatures, composite resin fillings are less likely to cause tooth sensitivity.
Virtually Invisible
Amalgam fillings are dark and noticeable. But we can tint a white filling so that it blends perfectly with the surrounding tooth material. We can also easily shape it to match the tooth’s natural contours. Once a white filling is in place, it is almost impossible to see where the tooth material ends and the filling begins.
Can Be Repaired
If an amalgam filling is damaged, the entire filling must be removed and replaced. If a white filling is damaged, we can usually repair it in place by applying more composite resin.
In addition to restoring a tooth with new decay, a white filling can also be used to replace an existing amalgam filling. If you would like to learn more about our general dentistry services, contact Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. today or book an appointment online at our office in Orinda, CA.