Cavities? Five Reasons to Choose Composite Metal-Free Fillings
No one relishes the thought of getting cavities. However, if decay does occur, Dr. Vickii R. Bingham-Lester from Bingham-Lester Dentistry in Crofton, Maryland, can nip it in the bud with composite filling cavity treatment. In one dental filling appointment, your tooth can be restored like new.
In the past, silver amalgam fillings were the primary choice for treating decay. Today, most people opt for metal-free fillings to restore the health and beauty of their grins. Composite fillings are composed of biocompatible resin material mixed with powdered glass. They’re 100% mercury and metal-free, making them a healthier choice for people with metal allergies.
When comparing composite vs. amalgam fillings, there are quite a few reasons to choose the former over the latter. Below are just a few:
1. Safe and Biocompatible with Your Teeth
Silver amalgam fillings are a mix of silver, tin, copper, and other metals, along with liquid mercury. In fact, mercury makes up almost half of the filling. If you’re not keen on being exposed to mercury long-term, composite fillings are a better choice for you. Composite fillings have no metal or mercury content whatsoever. They offer a safe and effective means of treating decay and protecting you from future cavities. Dr. Bingham-Lester can use this same resin filling as dental bonding to repair minor tooth damage, cover stains, or close small gaps between teeth to improve your smile’s appearance.
2. Protection against Future Cavities
Composite fillings today are more durable than ever and more protective of your teeth. The resin material bonds directly with your tooth enamel to seal out bacteria that can lead to future decay and infection. This same bond will reinforce your tooth against breakage and keep the filling from coming loose. Composite fillings can be used on front or back teeth to safeguard them from future cavities.
3. Less Tooth Structure Removed
To place an amalgam filling, dentists have to do quite a bit of drilling and removing of the natural tooth structure to wedge the filling in place. This can weaken your tooth, leaving it more prone to cracking. As composite fillings bond with your teeth directly, less drilling is needed. Also, less tooth structure is removed, keeping your teeth stronger and healthier after your treatment.
Before and After Actual Patient Results
4. Reduced Tooth Sensitivity
Metal fillings are good at conducting heat and cold, which can cause tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink hot or cold foods and beverages. Composite fillings are not affected by temperature changes in your mouth, making sensitivity less of an issue.
5. Natural Appeal
When it comes to esthetics, there’s no contest between amalgam and composite fillings. White fillings will always win out over the shiny, silver look of amalgam fillings. Dr. Bingham-Lester can even color-match your composite filling to the exact shade of your natural tooth so that it blends in seamlessly with your smile.
Where to Go for Composite Filling Treatment Near You
For prompt and effective composite filling treatment, contact Dr. Vickii R. Bingham-Lester from Bingham-Lester Dentistry in Crofton, MD, at 410-885-6522.
