Dental technology has made many advances over the past few decades. This advance in technology has even provided a much-welcomed change in the simple practice of filling cavities. The standard for many years was to use silver and other metals for fillings. Cavities are now filled with a more modern material that produces natural-looking restorations for damaged teeth. Impressions Dentistry no longer uses metals or amalgam to fill cavities, and we desire to restore the tooth to its original, natural look. Dr. Suneet S. Bath can provide and place tooth-colored fillings in Olympia, Washington, for our patients.
ADVANCES IN BONDING TECHNOLOGY
While silver fillings were the common practice for repairing cavities for many years, they were susceptible to cracking. Improvements in bonding technology has provided options that are far superior. The material used now creates a far stronger bond with the existing dental structure. This has also opened the door for dentists to repair many silver fillings that have been damaged or cracked.
WEAKNESSES IN SILVER FILLINGS
There are some specific flaws that often appear in silver fillings:
- It is almost certain that they will crack at some point in the future. The silver is constantly expanding and contracting as temperatures change around the patient. This eventually weakens the silver and causes it to crack.
- Silver fillings tend to wear down on the edges over time. Eventually, this wearing down causes the filling to crack.
- After a silver filling cracks, the tooth is then vulnerable to additional decay.
- Since these fillings were partially made of mercury, a cracked or broken filling could leak mercury into surrounding teeth and gums.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITE FILLINGS
- Many composite fillings are much stronger than silver ones.
- The natural-looking composite material looks like the natural enamel of real teeth.
- The combination of a strong and visually appealing material creates the perfect filling for cavities. Composite fillings are also the perfect option for repairing old silver fillings.
To find out more about the differences between traditional fillings and our composite dental fillings, call 360-493-1866.