One of the most common dental problems experienced throughout the world today is tooth decay. The usual treatment procedure for dental caries is the placement of a restorative. In the past, unsightly materials such as gold or silver amalgam were used as restoratives. Today it is much more common to see tooth colored or white restoratives. Tooth-colored fillings are preferred for restorative options, both anterior and posterior.
In earlier times, the white-colored restorers that were available were not very strong. However, the advent of science has led to many improvements in tooth colored fillings.
Advanced white fillings adhere better to tooth structure, do not require an etching process, and have superior strength compared to materials available in the past. The strength of currently available tooth-colored fillings is comparable to silver amalgam and direct-fill gold restorations. Therefore, they are suitable for use on any tooth, including molars, where the force of chewing exerts great pressure on the material.
Benefits of tooth-colored fillings
The use of these fillings has many advantages over other materials used to restore a tooth.
Previous versions of this filling material had problems such as the development of sensitivity in the restored tooth. However, the advent of the material eliminated the etching process and nullified the marginal leak, reducing the occurrence of susceptibility.
The improved strength of tooth-colored fillings has resulted in better resistance to fracture, especially in fillings that do not have much support from the tooth. Therefore, fillings with tooth-colored restoratives appear to have greater longevity compared to materials such as amalgam or gold.
Procedure
During the first visit, the dentist will examine the tooth and also take x-rays to assess the depth of the decay and determine if this filling material is suitable for restoring the tooth.
Tooth-colored fillings are a suitable material for restoring the strength of a tooth affected by decay. These materials are not only strong, they are also aesthetically pleasing and therefore avoid the unnecessary embarrassment of seeing unsightly filling materials in the mouth.
Marilyn Calvo, DDS is a cosmetic dentist based in Encino, California. He is a member in good standing of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
A silver flash in your smile reveals a lot about your dental history. If you have a cavity, cosmetic dentists use fillings to support the tooth and protect it from further decay. For many years, silver amalgam fillings have been the fillings of choice. Recently, however, more and more patients are opting for tooth-colored or composite resin fillings because of their attractiveness and durability.
silver vs tooth color
Silver amalgam contains approximately 35% silver, small amounts of tin and zinc, and approximately 50% mercury. Mercury is believed to be toxic to humans and has caused some dental concern in the past. These concerns have generated controversy about the safety of metal fillings used in the last two decades.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has deemed this highly trusted alloy harmless; however, the ADA advises that people with allergies or weakened immune systems should avoid it.
Reduced excretion of porphyrins, which promote the transport of oxygen in the blood.
Accumulation of mercury in various glands of the body.
· Sleep disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders
· Memory problems
A possible contributing factor to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
