The Benefits Of Composite Fillings

If you receive treatment for a cavity, you will have infected parts of your tooth removed. Unless the amount of decayed tooth is significant, the lost material will be replaced with a filling. Many people may imagine that a filling has to be made of metal, but that is no longer the case. A composite resin filling can imitate the color and shape of your tooth, and allows your dentist to leave more of your healthy tooth intact. This material also carries less risk of reshaping and moving, as the composite is less susceptible to the effects of heat and cold than metal.

Composite Fillings

The material used in composite fillings is a metal-free resin, which bonds directly to your tooth, and has a white color that conforms to the color of your natural teeth. In addition to its more esthetically pleasing look, a composite filling does not contain mercury, which can be found in metal fillings. The metal in an amalgam filling can expand when heated, and contract when cold. While all teeth respond to temperatures in this way, the effect is more pronounced for metal, and that reshaping can weaken the filling, or damage nearby teeth.

Who Needs A Filling?

You will need a filling if you develop a cavity in a tooth. The purpose of the filling is to replace the surface of the tooth that has to be removed when your dentist cleans out a cavity. If you brush and floss your teeth regularly, and keep up with routine dental appointments, you can reduce the likelihood that you will ever need a filling.

About The Author

Dr. Brian Evans

Dr. Brian Evans, the current owner of Wager Evans Dental, initially worked as a CPA before transitioning to dentistry to make a greater impact on people's lives. He joined his father-in-law to expand a three-decade-long legacy in the northern Nevada community, eventually taking over the practice. Dr. Evans prioritizes a comfortable environment for his patients and stays at the forefront of dental technology and medical techniques through continuous education and advanced training, focusing on oral and systemic health.

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