Simple Fillings to Repair Damage Done by Tooth Decay

When bacterial plaque is allowed to organize and remain on the surfaces of the teeth, then cavities develop that may be between the teeth or on the outside surfaces.  The more inaccessible and irregular surfaces are more at risk.

 

When cavities exist we can repair the damage done – often with simple fillings.  Dental fillings are materials that seal the hole in the tooth.  Fillings are traditionally made of silver amalgam, a paste of silver, tin, copper and mercury.  In our office we like to use tooth colored filling materials that might be either composite resin (plastic) or porcelain when the damage to the teeth is more severe.  These filling materials are much more aesthetic looking than the old silver fillings, and bond the teeth together making them much stronger as well.

 

Advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings

There are many reasons tooth-colored composite is preferred by both patients and dentists:

 

• Stronger tooth- Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth’s structure, so there is no need to remove large amounts of enamel.  This direct bond strengthens the tooth.

• Relatively durable- Tooth-colored fillings used for small to medium sized cavities are as durable as amalgam fillings.