Tooth fillings are among the most widely-recognized dental treatments, and have been for centuries. However, today’s tooth fillings look, act, and protect teeth much better than they used to, and they can serve the dual purposes of restoring a cavity-stricken tooth while improving its overall appearance. While most people may have to deal with a cavity at least once in their lives, the good news is that modern tooth fillings can help them do so effectively, and with the utmost confidence.
Did You Know?
- Fillings are designed to treat cavities, which are holes in your teeth caused by the progression of tooth decay. The point of the filling is to “fill” the cavity after your dentist has thoroughly cleaned away the harmful bacteria and infected tooth structure. Without the filling, your cavity will grow and the decay will spread, and you may risk losing the tooth or needing to have it extracted.
- Until the last few decades, the most common material for dental fillings was a mixture of trace metals known as amalgam. Metal amalgam is strong enough to withstand constant pressure from your bite, but it also stands out noticeably against your natural tooth structure. In many cases, the metal can also damage teeth or leave them exposed to further bacterial infection over time.
- To address the functional needs of treating a cavity with the esthetic need to preserve your smile’s appearance, modern tooth fillings are typically made from tooth-colored composite resin. The metal-free resin can be custom-tinted to match your tooth’s unique color and shade, and since it contains no metal, the resin is safer for patients of all ages.
Find the Filling that’s Right for You
If you have a cavity, then we can help you find the custom tooth filling that’s right for you! To learn about your options, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
