Did you know that silver amalgam fillings aren't the only way to restore teeth damaged by cavities? Tooth-colored fillings offered by your Brentwood, TN, dentist, Dr. Douglas McMillan, strengthen teeth and blend in with your smile.
What are tooth-colored fillings?
True to their name, teeth-colored fillings match the shade of your teeth. Your tooth is filled with composite resin, a glass- and plastic-based mixture that's available in many common tooth colors.
What happens when you receive a tooth-colored filling?
The filling process won't change when you opt for a tooth-colored filling at the Brentwood dental office. Your dentist will remove the decayed part of your tooth and a portion of the healthy structure surrounding the tooth.
Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings only require the removal of a small amount of healthy structure, which helps keep your tooth strong.
After cleaning the tooth, your dentist will choose a composite resin that closely matches your tooth color and add the material to your tooth. He'll apply a curing light to the filling to harden it, a process that only takes a few minutes.
In addition to hardening your filling, curing it also bonds the tooth-colored filling material to your tooth enamel, strengthening your tooth.
Why tooth-colored fillings are a good option
If you're like most people, you probably prefer a more natural-looking filling option. Unless your friends are dentists, they won't be able to tell that you've had any dental work when you choose teeth-colored fillings.
Tooth-colored fillings also help keep your teeth stronger by reducing the risk of cracks. Silver amalgam fillings are made with a variety of metals that expand and contract when you eat hot or cold foods and beverages.
The constant expansion and contraction stresses your tooth and may eventually cause cracks. Once a crack forms, you'll need to protect your tooth with a dental crown or risk a tooth fracture. Fortunately, composite resin doesn't react to temperature changes and won't crack your teeth.
Are you ready to restore your decayed teeth with tooth-colored fillings? Call your dentist in Brentwood, TN, Dr. Douglas McMillan, at (615) 373-4242 to schedule your appointment.