Cavities can occur to the best of us, and if you have one, composite dental fillings in Manteca, California, are an excellent option. Composite fillings are shaded like natural teeth, ensuring we restore your teeth without sacrificing your natural aesthetics. Schedule an appointment today with the Family Dental Center of Manteca to discover how a filling can restore oral health.
When do you need a composite filling?
Composite fillings treat decay, but they wear “several hats” in dentistry. Here are the common issues we can address with dental fillings.
- Tooth decay (cavities): Cavities develop over time and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Composite fillings repair tooth decay and prevent it from progressing. Placing composite fillings is a one-visit job, and the procedure is painless because of modern anesthetics.
- Small chips or cracks: Your teeth can develop minor damage from everyday use, teeth grinding, or accidents. The dentist can use tooth-colored fillings to repair the damage and prevent it from progressing.
- Worn-down enamel: Enamel erosion occurs when the tooth’s protective outer layer wears down, often because of acidic foods. Since the enamel doesn’t regenerate, it needs repair to restore your tooth functionality.
- Cosmetic improvements: The dentist can use composite fillings to close minor gaps between teeth and disguise tooth discoloration. Fillings can also repair dark triangles caused by gum recession.
Are composite fillings better than silver fillings?
Years ago, amalgam fillings were the standard for treating tooth decay. Then, they were considered durable and effective. However, the mercury content in metal fillings continues to raise safety concerns, and many patients want a more aesthetically appealing alternative. Composite fillings have become popular by the day because of their superior aesthetics and oral health benefits.
Here’s why many dentists swear by composite fillings.
- Aesthetics: Amalgam fillings can darken over time, creating a grayish tint around the tooth. Composite fillings match the natural shade of your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
- Mercury-free alternative: Amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury, raising potential toxicity concerns. In contrast, composite fillings contain biocompatible and toxic-free substances.
- Preserves more tooth structure: Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, requiring less removal of healthy enamel. The bonding process reinforces the tooth, reducing the risk of fractures.
- No temperature sensitivity: Silver fillings expand and contract with temperature changes, which can cause cracks or fractures in the tooth. Composite fillings remain intact even as the temperature changes in the mouth.
- Durability: Modern composites offer excellent longevity, lasting over a decade with proper care. Unlike amalgams, composite fillings don’t oxidize or break down over time.
Are you interested in composite fillings?
Tooth decay can affect everyone, children and adults alike. Fortunately, dental fillings are an excellent solution for repairing tooth decay. If you need a tooth filling in Manteca, CA, trust Family Dental Center of Manteca for exceptional dental care. Call (209) 420-1205 and book your visit!
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