White Fillings

Nowadays, patients have the option of having white composite fillings as opposed to metal amalgam fillings. Your dentist should inform you of the availability of the white composite filling. If he/she doesn’t, the dentist has not performed his or her legal duty.

 

At Gentle Dentistry, we do not use amalgam fillings. We use strictly white composite fillings.

It has been found that when people have the option of white composite as opposed to amalgam, the majority prefer white composite. It is not only the aesthetic cosmetic aspect of the white filling, but also because of the fact that amalgam fillings have mercury in them which is viewed as potentially toxic. Also, amalgam weakens the tooth, making them susceptible to breakage. Repairing broken teeth can be very expensive, therefore we recommend white composites because in the long run, they can save you a lot of money.

 

White fillings are a more advanced technology which require extra training to perform and composite fillings can easily withstand the stress required to serve in a back tooth. Dentists have to pursue additional post-graduate continuing education to become proficient in composite bonding technology.

 

They bond directly to the tooth thereby restoring most of the original strength of the tooth.

Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth. More often than not, to the naked eye, one cannot detect a composite when looking at it.

Teeth with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with amalgam.

Composites are mercury-free. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by some as being toxic.

Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites than with amalgams.

 

Excessive alcohol consumption can seriously weaken composite fillings. You may find the composite fillings deteriorating prematurely, if you drink beverage with high alcohol content on a daily basis.

 

WHAT EO EXPECT:
You will be given some numbing jelly near the tooth to be worked on.

The doctor will administer anesthetic to make you very comfortable during your procedure.

The decayed tooth structure will be removed by the doctor with the help of a dental assistant.

The healthy tooth structure will be prepared with material to aid in bonding the new tooth colored filling material to it.

The doctor will match the shade of the filing material to the shade of your tooth and will place the material where the decay once was.

The new filling will be polished and adjusted to your satisfaction.

You will be given a post care rinse.