Fillings
When a patient has tooth decay, Dr. Zhou may recommend a dental filling. Our dentist will remove the tooth decay from your tooth and thoroughly clean your tooth. A dental filling material is used to fill the area. Our dental office uses two types of dental fillings: composite dental fillings and amalgam dental fillings.
Amalgam dental fillings are also called silver fillings. They are made from mercury, silver, tin, zinc, and copper. Amalgam fillings are very durable. They last at least 10 to 15 years, which is longer than composite dental fillings. Amalgam fillings also cost less than composite dental fillings. Silver fillings are strong enough to withstand the chewing surfaces of your smile.
Composite dental fillings are also called tooth-colored fillings. They are made from plastic and tooth-colored materials. This makes them very aesthetic. Tooth-colored fillings are ideal for the front teeth or other visible teeth, and a good choice for people who prefer their fillings look more natural. Composite fillings are chemically bonded to your tooth structure, which makes them stronger. In many cases, composite dental fillings do not require as much tooth enamel removal as amalgam fillings. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from chewing.
Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than amalgam, probably due to cosmetics. In a society focused on a white, bright smile, people tend to want fillings that blend with the natural color of their teeth.
Ultimately, the best dental filling is no dental filling. Prevention is the best medicine. You can dramatically decrease your risk of cavities and other dental diseases simply by:
Amalgam dental fillings are also called silver fillings. They are made from mercury, silver, tin, zinc, and copper. Amalgam fillings are very durable. They last at least 10 to 15 years, which is longer than composite dental fillings. Amalgam fillings also cost less than composite dental fillings. Silver fillings are strong enough to withstand the chewing surfaces of your smile.
Composite dental fillings are also called tooth-colored fillings. They are made from plastic and tooth-colored materials. This makes them very aesthetic. Tooth-colored fillings are ideal for the front teeth or other visible teeth, and a good choice for people who prefer their fillings look more natural. Composite fillings are chemically bonded to your tooth structure, which makes them stronger. In many cases, composite dental fillings do not require as much tooth enamel removal as amalgam fillings. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from chewing.
Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than amalgam, probably due to cosmetics. In a society focused on a white, bright smile, people tend to want fillings that blend with the natural color of their teeth.
Ultimately, the best dental filling is no dental filling. Prevention is the best medicine. You can dramatically decrease your risk of cavities and other dental diseases simply by:
- brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- flossing daily
- eating a balanced diet
- visiting the dentist regularly.