Fillings are used to replace to restore tooth structure that has been damaged due to tooth decay or a fracture (part of the tooth has broken off). In the past, amalgam (an unhealthy combination of silver/mercury) or metal such as gold was used as filling material. Because of these materials a person would no longer have a set of naturally looking teeth.
Because of today's advancements, it is no longer necessary to subject your self to these ugly forms of fillings. Instead, your teeth can be filled with natural tooth-colored resin material using a technology called Composite Bonding.
The advantages of composite fillings are:
- They strengthen the tooth by restoring most of its original shape.
- Silver/mercury amalgams, on the other hand, weakens the tooth and makes it more susceptible to breaking. A broken tooth can be very expensive to replace; a composite filling can save time and money in the long run.
- Hot and cold sensitivity is greatly reduced with composite material.
- Less tooth removal is necessary when using composite fillings.
A composite filling is not suitable for large cavities. In this case one should consider the use of an inlay, which is a thin layer of porcelain which is glued to the tooth.
Irina Rodriguez, D.D.S.
(Serving Ojai, Lake Casitas, Santa Paula, Oxnard, Ventura, Carpinteria)
117 Pirie Rd., Suite A
Ojai, CA 93023
Phone: (805) 646-3700 Emergency: (805) 415-4478
irinarod@sbcglobal.net