Of all the restorative and cosmetic dental procedures available, many patients are most familiar with dental fillings.
Over the years, the composition of dental fillings has changed quite a bit. If you had cavities when you were a child, it’s likely they were filled with dark amalgam fillings, which were initially developed from a combination of zinc, copper, tin, and mercury. In recent years, however, the mercury content in amalgam fillings has raised questions of safety among dentists and other health professionals.
In addition to being harmful to your health, traditional amalgam fillings often change shape, deteriorate, and leak as they wear down, making them an unstable dental restoration.
That’s why I use solid, attractive, tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin to fill cavities.
Tinted to blend with your natural tooth structure, composite fillings won’t compromise a beautiful smile with the dark patches associated with heavy metal dental fillings. Additionally, composite fillings are stronger than metal fillings because they bond directly to your tooth, creating a much more durable and natural-feeling restoration.
To place your composite filling, I will carefully remove the decayed area of your tooth, clean the area thoroughly, and apply the restoration material. I will shape the restoration, fitting it seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, and harden the material with a curing light. Then, I will complete the process by polishing and buffing the tooth to give it a shiny and smooth look and feel.
If you are concerned about your old amalgam fillings that were placed years ago, let me know at your appointment. I can evaluate their condition and talk with you about upgrading your fillings.
I’m Dr. Amanda Foust, a family dentist in Ankeny, Iowa, and I believe in composite dental fillings because they allow me to protect my patients’ mouths from further tooth decay while maintaining a beautiful looking smile. Call Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to reserve your appointment time.
