Why Your Dentist Prefers Tooth-Colored Fillings

The good thing about modern dentistry is that most issues come with a choice of different treatment options. The treatment you prefer for your smile can depend on a number of different personal dental health needs and preferences. When it comes to treating cavities, however, many patients believe their only choice is to fill the cavity with a metal filling. While treating the cavity may require filling it, your dentist and you may prefer to use tooth-colored composite resin, rather than more traditional metal amalgam.

They look more natural than metal

Composite dental resin is a mixture of finely ground, biocompatible acrylic and quartz-like particles, which gives the resin a more natural look than traditional metal amalgam. The resin can be custom-tinted to match the unique color and shade of your tooth, and its texture more closely resembles that of your healthy, natural tooth structure. For many patients, the thought of wearing a metal filling in their tooth can make them worry about the future of their smiles’ appearance. However, with a more discreet tooth-colored filling, you’ll be less likely to hesitate in treating your cavity, which means you can reduce the risks it can pose to your oral health.

They protect teeth better after cavities

The way tooth-colored fillings blend in with your smile makes them highly preferable to both patients and dentists alike, but where your tooth’s health is concerned, they’re also preferable for the results they provide. Tooth-colored composite resin bonds securely to the healthy tooth structure that the cavity hasn’t affected yet, which allows it remain sturdily in place and provide a tight protective barrier against oral bacteria. Because of this, the resin filling can provide a more durable restoration for your tooth, and it will retain its shape long after it’s been secured in place.

They can provide better long-term results

Restoring your tooth’s strength and integrity, while protecting it from harmful oral bacteria, does a lot more than just address the immediate concerns of your cavity. The goal of treating it is also to stop the decay that causes it from getting worse, and prevent the cavity from growing larger. Tooth-colored resin does an excellent job of this by bonding and blending in with your healthy tooth structure. By preventing further decay, the more biocompatible filling helps you reduce your risks of needing more extensive treatment later, such as root canal therapy.

Fix your cavity with a tooth-colored filling

If your tooth is affected by a cavity, then your dentist may prefer that you fix it with a tooth-colored filling, for the good of your oral health. To learn if gum contouring can help you improve your smile, schedule an appointment by calling Yelena Popkova D.D.S. in Merrimack, NH, today at 603-595-9400. We also serve the residents of Nashua, Hudson, Manchester, Milford, and all surrounding communities.