Traditionally, the most common material for dental fillings has been metal. Known as amalgams, these fillings use mercury to bind an alloy – usually a mix of silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are easy to spot because of their metallic appearance. Time-tested and trusted, metal fillings are safe and effective, but there are better materials for tooth repair.
What’s Wrong with Metal?
Metal cannot bind to teeth. As a result, a large space must first be drilled into the tooth to insert the metal filling. This area is then packed with filling material. Once hardened, the filling will essentially be wedged into place. Because metal shrinks and expands with temperature changes in the mouth, amalgam fillings can come loose and fall out. They can also over-expand, cracking or chipping tooth enamel and further damaging it.
Since metal amalgams are easy to see, they can detract from your smile. Over time, they will become dingy and discolored, making them even more apparent. Sometimes they discolor and tarnish teeth, thus further impacting your smile.
What’s so Great About Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, are made of tooth-colored resin that can be shaded to match adjacent teeth. This allows tooth-colored fillings to fit naturally into your smile and not call attention to your filling.
White dental fillings bond to the surface of the teeth. Therefore, they do not require the creation of a larger space (than the size of your cavity) to accommodate your new filling. Resin fillings provide reliable and consistent protection while eliminating the risk of filling-related tooth damage.
Tooth-colored fillings are a safer, more attractive, and more suitable treatment for tooth decay. At Wood Creek Dental, we only offer this option. Our experienced dentists have found white fillings to be vastly superior to metal amalgams. We are pleased to provide this treatment for all our patients.
Contact Us to Learn More
Whether you need a new cavity filled or want to replace older metal fillings, we are here to help. Please call our Greenville office at 864-288-5300 or our Landrum office at 864-457-3425 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
