Cavities are a very common dental problem that nearly everyone has had to deal with at some point in their lives. Cavities are exactly what they sound like they are: holes that appear in teeth due to decay. These can cause serious problems unless they can be filled by a dentist. Bacteria can gain access to the interior structure of a tooth through a cavity and cause further damage which can become severe and virtually irreparable over time. Fortunately, there are relatively simple methods that a dentist can use to fill cavities in teeth.
Most dental professionals opt to use fillings to fill cavities in teeth. A filling is a tiny object that fits into a cavity and restores a damaged tooth to its original state. A filling can be made from any number of materials, but most of the time fillings are either white or silver. Few people realize that there are differences between silver and white fillings, and in many ways there aren’t many all that many differences beyond simple aesthetics.
Silver fillings are generally less expensive and more common than white fillings. These fillings are also known as amalgam fillings, and their high metal content makes them idea for withstanding stronger bite forces. These fillings are generally used for back teeth for this very reason. They can sometimes be more noticeable because of their metallic appearance, so many people do not think of them as a very good aesthetic choice. They are also more rigid and require retention grooves to be made in the tooth before placement, which means more of the tooth must be removed. This weakens the tooth and generally makes for a more complex and unpleasant procedure.
White fillings are made from an acrylic and glass composite,which is why they are often referred to as composite fillings. They are more natural looking, making them popular for aesthetic reasons alone. They also harden quickly and bond directly to teeth, meaning that patients who opt for these fillings do not have to worry so much about damaging them or their teeth shortly after placement.
A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen
2030 West Main St.
Jeffersonville, PA 19403
drsethrosen.com
