Tooth fillings are the go-to treatment for mild to moderate cavities, and since cavities are the most common dental concern, fillings are among the most popular dental treatments.
Still, not everyone understands the point of tooth fillings, or why tooth-colored composite resin can prove a better solution than metal amalgam. Today, we examine a few important facts about tooth fillings, and how they can save your teeth from the ravishes of tooth decay.
Facts About Fillings
- A tooth filling is called such because it “fills” the cavity (or hole) that tooth decay leaves in your tooth. Tooth decay is a progressive issue, and the longer it remains, the more of your tooth’s structure it will consume. A filling replaces the tooth structure you’ve lost after your dentist has thoroughly cleaned away the bacteria and decay from the cavity.
- Metal amalgam has been the most popular filling material for over a century, mainly because of its strength and affordability. While strong, however, metal fillings can pose risks to your natural tooth structure. Since metal changes shape with temperature fluctuations, a metal filling may damage your tooth or leave it exposed to further infection.
- The most obvious benefit of a tooth-colored filling is its appearance, but its advantages also extend to the filling’s functionality. Unlike metal, composite resin retains its shape, and can be bonded securely to the tooth’s structure to create a more effective seal against decay-causing oral bacteria. With a tooth-colored filling, you have a better chance at saving and preserving your tooth for life.
