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Cosmetic White Fillings
If you have an old amalgam filling, you may notice that it's corroding around the edges. Typically, a silver metal filling will last for 12 years, but some need to be replaced in as little as five years. Teeth grinding, heavy biting and other conditions can weaken the filling, causing it to leak, crack or fall out.
Decay under a filling can become extensive before it's noticed; that's one reason it's important to have regular dental check-ups. There is usually no pain when a cavity first forms, but some patients notice they are sensitive to hot, cold or sweet drinks and food. If the decay reaches the nerve, the pain can intensify very quickly.
In this case, the original filling was removed to reveal the tooth decay. This was subsequently cleaned and after a discussion with the patient a decision was made to place a more modern tooth coloured cosmetic filling.
This video shows an amalgam filling that's 12 years old. Instead of having a tight seal against the tooth, the metal is leaking and bacateria can now get beneath it. You can see that the tooth is changing color, going from white to grey; that's a result of the decay inside.
5 Benefits of Composite ( White ) Fillings
Aesthetics
Obviously one of the main advantages that composite fillings have is that aesthetically, they already resemble the colour of existing teeth. However technology also allows us to blend colours further to match other natural teeth in your mouth. This gives a seamless look and for non-dentists it can often be hard to tell the difference.
Added support
Traditional amalgam fillings require the removal of a significant amount of the natural tooth structure to ensure stability. With composite fillings, the amount of preparation required is limited to a more narrow scope of only decayed areas, which helps to preserve as much of the original tooth as possible.
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Expansion and contraction
Amalgam fillings are far more prone to what’s known as thermal stresses. This is where fillings expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. This can of course lead to weakening and cracking. Conversely composite white fillings contain insulating properties which offer far more protection from hot or cold foods.
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Durability
White composite fillings have come on in leaps and bounds over the past decade or so as initially they weren’t deemed strong enough for back teeth where the regular pressures of grinding and chewing exert much more force. Nowadays however advancements in technology have improved the durability of composites ten fold meaning that they can be placed virtually anywhere in the mouth without fear of cracking.
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Versatile in nature
If you have to seek an emergency dentist in Derby for a chipped or broken tooth then don’t be surprised if a composite white filling is the answer. The versatility of them means that as well as filling cavities, they can also make good worn, fractured or completely broken teeth.
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To find out more about how a simple white filling can improve your smile then come and speak to our friendly team.
Contact us on 01332 559124.