Decay is one of the most common problems affecting the oral cavity. It is truly advisable to remove decay from tooth be it milk (deciduous tooth) or permanent tooth. With Cosmetic Fillings which look exactly like your natural teeth you can ensure your tooth will remain strong, healthy and beautiful for long.
Cosmetic Fillings can be done in front or back tooth. In fact even your old silver fillings can be replaced with cosmetic fillings.
What is Cosmetic Fillings ?
A filling is the name of a dental procedure in which a material such as silver amalgam or a composite (white) filling is used to treat a decayed tooth. This material is inserted into the tooth where it then prevents the further spread of decay or repairs any damage.
This treatment stops the decay from spreading into the root where it will cause a serious infection, e.g. an abscess. This also removes the need for a tooth extraction.
The silver amalgam filling is the traditional type of filling which is composed of various metals such as copper, tin and mercury. This combination helps to retain the normal function of the tooth.
The composite white filling is a synthetic combination of acrylic resin and glass which has a white color thereby enabling it to match the colour of the tooth. This is also chosen for aesthetic reasons as many people prefer to have fillings which match the rest of their teeth rather than the distinctive silver filling.
How is Filling performed ?
For both the silver amalgam and composite white fillings the procedure involves the drilling of a small hole within the affected tooth which is then packed with the filling. The only difference is that our dentist will give the composite filling a final polish to ensure that it has that clean, white look and fits in with the rest of your teeth.
Advantages of Cosmetic Fillings
1. The main advantage of silver amalgam fillings is their durability. These fillings can last for more than 10 years or more compared to other types of fillings.
2. Composite white fillings have a natural colour which is similar to the colour of your natural teeth and so blends it well with them. Plus there have been issues raised about the safety of silver amalgam fillings due to their mercury content which has prompted some people to switch to composite fillings instead.
3. In regard to inlays and onlays: these fillings are less extensive than a normal filling, are easy to care for and long lasting.
