When one is looking to find a dentist, it is important to understand the basic dental procedures that may be recommended. Dental fillings are one of the most frequently used restorations used in dentistry to treat cavities. There are two common types used, including silver and tooth-colored fillings. To make informed treatment decisions, patients should do ample research before a dental appointment.
Dentists choose a filling material based on several factors, including the size of the cavity, tooth anatomy, and patient compliance. Each situation is unique, so it is important to understand why a certain material may be chosen.
The Oxford dictionary defines amalgam as "a mixture or blend." Amalgam dental fillings are simply a mixture of different metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The mercury is in a liquid state and is mixed with a powder made from the other metals. This process makes the mercury nonreactive.
According to the American Dental Association, amalgam restorations have been used for over 100 years. Dentists often choose this material due to its strength and ease of placement. Silver fillings are sometimes used in cavities on the back teeth because they are made of durable metal that can withstand chewing forces. They are typically not used on the front teeth for aesthetic reasons.
The ADA notes that research has shown silver fillings may last longer than tooth-colored ones. This is a consideration for patients who have chronic issues with tooth decay. It is important to find a dentist who is willing to consider these factors when making a treatment plan.
Composite or resin restorations are relatively new in the field of dentistry. According to Dentistry Today, the first composite was created in 1962. While silver fillings are locked into place by mechanical bonding, resin ones are sealed with a chemical bond. Once the resin material is placed in the tooth, the dentist uses a curing light to bond it into place.
These restorations are the most natural looking and come in many shades. This allows the dentist to match the color of the filling to the color of the surrounding tooth. Some patients prefer this type of restoration strictly based on its aesthetic properties.
The American Dental Association recommends that this type of filling material be used on small to moderate-sized cavities. The composite material is weaker than metal, so it may not last as long on back teeth. However, it is a natural choice for restoring the front teeth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find a Dentist in Pearl City, HI
Preventive dental care is important to stop cavities from happening in the first place. Fortunately, fillings are one type of restoration that can be used to treat decay. Because this treatment has been used successfully for such a long time, dentists can confidently recommend it. Patients should find a dentist with whom they feel comfortable discussing treatment options, and in this way, an informed decision can be made.
Request an appointment or call Diamond Head Dental Care at 808-214-9287 for an appointment in our Pearl City office.
Trying to find a dentist can be a long process, but there are certain points patients can look for to make the search easier. While it is up to individual patients to decide what qualities matter most, these three aspects of a dental office can be kept in mind to help narrow down choices. Every…
Dental exams are a small part of what a dentist can offer. The in-depth knowledge of teeth and gums should be another good reason to find a dentist. Routine care and cleanings are things that impact the health of the mouth, but oral health can impact other areas of life. Dentists are trained to look…
The busyness of moving to a new city can make it easy to forget about routine dental checkups. However, it is important to find a dentist as soon as you relocate to a new area so there is no lapse between six-month cleanings and examinations. It is also necessary to have a dentist lined up…
If you are looking to straighten your teeth but do not want traditional metallic braces, Invisalign® is an effective alternative to consider. Invisalign is a set of clear aligners that are worn over the teeth. Due to their transparency, they are hard to notice when worn, making them a popular option among those seeking affordable…
The decision to get dental implants is a big one, and one that can drastically change your life for the better. Dental implants offer substantial benefits over other tooth replacement options and can help prevent many of the adverse side effects of tooth loss. Because implants look and act like natural teeth and have the…