The Evolution of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Are you dealing with a painful or decayed tooth? Gone are the days of cavity repair with unsightly silver amalgam fillings. At Dental Care of Madison, we are pleased to offer tooth-colored fillings, a discreet and natural-looking solution to restore the aesthetics and function of your smile. Let's take a look at how dental fillings have evolved over the years.
Tooth Fillings: How It All Began
Tooth fillings have been used to repair cavities for centuries, using materials such as resin, beeswax, or even tar. Silver amalgam fillings offered a revolutionary solution for cavity repair in the 1800s, providing a durable and affordable solution to treat decayed teeth. However, the mercury content sometimes raised safety concerns, while the silver color detracted from a person's appearance.
The 1960s marked a breakthrough in the dental world with the creation of tooth-colored fillings from a composite resin material, offering a more natural-looking tooth restoration solution. However, these early versions were not yet strong enough for use in back teeth and had aesthetic limitations. That’s why they were primarily used to repair cavities in the front teeth, where they were less noticeable than amalgam fillings.
Over the last few decades, the composite resin material has been improved upon and reinvented, with today's cosmetic fillings strong enough for use in all teeth, even the molars that withstand significant chewing pressure. They also provide a seamless match to the natural color and texture of your tooth enamel, enhancing the health and aesthetics of your smile.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
The following are some of the benefits of tooth-colored fillings:
1. They Are Aesthetically Pleasing: Your restorations are made to closely match your natural tooth enamel, making them virtually unnoticeable when you smile.
2. They Are Less Invasive: Composite fillings require the removal of less of your tooth structure, preserving more of your natural, healthy tooth structure compared to traditional amalgam fillings.
3. They Do Not Expand or Contract: Tooth-colored fillings don't respond to temperature like metal fillings, making your tooth structure less likely to suffer damage or fracture.
4. They Prevent Future Damage: Tooth-colored fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, providing a tight seal, which helps prevent future decay or damage.
5. They Are Biocompatible: Tooth-colored restorations are created from a metal-free, biocompatible material, which helps reduce the risk of sensitivity or adverse reactions.
6. They Are Versatile: Aside from cavity repair, the composite resin filling material can repair tooth chips and improve the color, shape, size, and overall appearance of teeth.
7. They Are Durable: Modern composite fillings are strong and durable, with the potential to last many years with proper care and maintenance.
Tooth Colored Fillings Near Me in Madison, MS
For more information about restoring a decayed tooth with a tooth-colored filling, contact Dental Care of Madison to schedule a consultation. Our experienced and skilled dentists will recommend the ideal solution to restore your smile's health, function, and natural appearance. Call us at (601) 898-9390 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!