If you have a dental cavity that requires filling soon, it’s wise to research to know more about your options for dental filling. For more than 150 years, amalgam or silver fillers were considered the go-to treatment for cavities. However, in recent years, more and more dental professionals are choosing white fillings made of composite instead.
As a patient, you are probably wondering whether the white filling is a good option for you, especially since they are more expensive than the alternative.
Well, there are a few good reasons to opt for white fillings over silver ones:
Your Cavity Is in Your Smile Zone
If your cavity is in your smile zone, you may want to consider getting a white filling. Silver fillings are more visible; if your cavity is in a visible spot, you may not want a noticeable filling. White fillings can also be matched to the color of your teeth, so they’re less noticeable.
You’re Not a Fan of Dental Drills
It’s no secret that most people aren’t fans of dental drills. The sound, the vibration, and the fact that it’s being done to your teeth can make the experience quite unpleasant.
Silver fillings require the extensive use of a dental drill to remove the old filling and prepare the tooth for the new filling. On the other hand, white fillings may be placed with very little use of a drill in many cases.
White fillings may be the better option if you’re not a fan of dental drills.
You Want to Preserve Just as Much of Your Natural Tooth as Possible
Getting white fillings means you get to preserve more of your natural tooth. Silver fillings require the removal of a more healthy tooth structure to make room for the filling. With white fillings, only the decayed portion of the tooth is removed. This means that more of your healthy tooth is left intact.
You Want Stronger Fillings
White fillings are also stronger than silver fillings. They bond to your tooth, which helps to support and strengthen the tooth. Silver fillings, however, do not bond to your tooth. This can cause them to loosen over time and eventually fall out.
White fillings can last for many years with proper care, whereas silver fillings typically need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
You Have Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, white fillings are a good option because they seal the tooth more tightly than amalgam fillings. This means there’s less chance of hot and cold temperatures affecting your teeth and causing discomfort.
You Wish to Avoid Gum Problems
Amalgam fillings can cause gum problems because they expand and contract with temperature changes. This can cause the fillings to pull away from the tooth, leading to gum disease. White fillings don’t expand and contract in the same way, so they’re less likely to cause gum problems.
Conclusion
If you need to fill your cavities, white fillings may be a better option. This is because white fillings are made of composite resin, which is a durable and long-lasting material. In addition, white fillings are less noticeable than silver fillings and can help improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Chelmsford Dental Specialists Group offers the services of one of the leading dentists in Central Massachusetts. We provide general dentistry services, including white fillings. Schedule your dental appointment today!
