Comparison of Tooth Colored White Fillings and Silver/Amalgam Fillings. Caries and Tooth decay treatment in Potomac.

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Composite White Fillings

Tooth decay or cavities occur when plague is left on the surface of the teeth and gums after brushing and flossing. Plaque consists of small food particles and bacteria that form a thin layer on the surface of the teeth. Rough surfaces on the teeth are particularly prone to developing a build up of plague that hardens over time into tartar or calculus. Bacteria in plague feed on the carbohydrate in food and create an acid that eventually wears down the hard enamel surface of the tooth. This wear of the enamel is called tooth decay and results in dental caries or cavities. Dentists at our Potomac dental office will check your teeth for tooth decay during a regular check up.

Dental caries and cavities appear as small black specs on the teeth. Cavities cause symptoms such as increased sensitivity to temperatures or sensitivity to very sweet foods. Untreated cavities may lead to problems with the gums and bone tissue around the teeth including infection and abscess. Dental caries must be treated to avoid long-term problems such as tooth loss and infection. Cavities are typically removed with a special drill and the area where the cavity was located on the tooth is filled. As much of the natural tooth structure as possible is retained. There are two types of filling material typically used: silver amalgam fillings and composite white fillings.

Silver amalgam fillings

Silver amalgam fillings have a long history of use. The filling material has proven to be strong and durable. However, the strength of the filling material may cause the surrounding natural tooth structure to become weaker and thus more prone to cracking and breakage. Broken teeth must be treated by a dentist and can be quite painful. Amalgam fillings are obvious when examining the inside of the mouth due to their silver appearance. Recently, some concern has been raised about potential mercury exposure due to low levels of mercury present in the filling material. Some patients have requested that amalgam fillings be removed and replaced with composite white fillings. Amalgam fillings do have a long history of use and thus are often easier for the dentist to perform. They require less time to fill and are therefore often less expensive than composite white fillings. When cost is a concern, amalgam fillings may be the preferable filling type.

Composite white filling

Composite white fillings consist of a synthetic plastic resin material that is resistant to both wear and damage. The filling material is available in shades that match the natural color of the tooth. Patients often prefer this type of filling for cosmetic reasons because the filling blends in with the natural tooth. In order to place the filling, the filling site must be dry and clean. This is typically done with a plastic barrier and suction device. The composite filling is placed and then cured with a high intensity light. This curing hardens the filling and allows the patient to function normally almost immediately after the tooth is filled. With both amalgam and composite fillings there may be short-term sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures of food and beverages.

Fillings are a necessary procedure to treat tooth decay and limit additional damage that may occur when the decay is left untreated. Dentists at our Potomac office will examine your teeth for tooth decay and indicate when filling treatments are necessary. Call today to schedule an appointment at our Potomac dental office.

If you have further questions about composite white fillings contact our office for an appointment 301-760-4550.

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Your Dentist 7508 Wisconsin ave. Bethesda MD 20814 tel: 301-760-4550