Fillings

WHAT DENTAL FILLINGS DO

General dentistry often revolves around preventing dental issues, like cavities, from developing and maturing into more serious issues. When a tooth is afflicted with a cavity (which is a hole that is caused by infectious tooth decay), the most effective treatment is to restore the tooth by cleaning and filling the cavity. Usually, we recommend using tooth-colored composite resin or ceramic as the filling material, rather than the metal amalgam that makes up many patients’ existing restorations. Because amalgam contains a mixture of various metals, the resin or ceramic in tooth-colored fillings, both of which are biocompatible, are often safer and more effective options.

Anterior Composite

Composite Filling (Posterior)

Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Metal Fillings

• The characteristics of most metals, including those found in dental amalgam, make them a potential hazard to your tooth structure. For instance, metal expands in extreme heat, which can damage or break your tooth, and contracts in extreme cold, which could leave the tooth vulnerable to another infection.
• By contrast, composite resin and ceramic fillings do not respond structurally to the temperatures of your food and beverages, making them more stable and sometimes longer-lasting solutions to restoring a tooth.
• Being made from metal, amalgam fillings contrast sharply with the more vibrant shade of your pearly-white teeth. Depending on its location, a metal filling will be obvious whenever you open your mouth to eat, speak, or laugh.
• Tooth-colored fillings are called such because they are custom-designed specifically to match the color and shade of your natural tooth structure. Resin and ceramic restorations allow you to maintain your smile’s uniform appearance for a more cosmetically-pleasing result.

Treat Your Cavity with a Custom Filling

Ensure that your cavity is properly treated by choosing a custom, tooth-colored filling to keep your restoration discreet and reduce your risks of needing further treatment. To learn more, call Dr. Cornelius’ office in Keller, TX, at 817-431-4200. We proudly the serve the residents of Keller, Roanoke, Trophy Club, Westlake, Southlake, North Richland Hills, and all surrounding communities.