Tooth-Colored Fillings
White Fillings | Composite Fillings Lowell IN
We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past.
Amalgam fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye as compared to white or tooth-colored fillings (composite fillings).
Tooth-colored restorations are esthetically pleasing and composite materials continue to benefit from technological advancements, contributing to enhanced durability.
The result is a beautiful smile!
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to composite fillings.
- Aesthetics – the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth; is particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
- Bonding to tooth structure – composite fillings actually chemically bond to the tooth structure, providing further support to the tooth.
- Versatility in uses – in addition, to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth in special circumstances.
- Tooth-sparing preparation – sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgams when removing decay and preparing for the filling.
Disadvantages of Composite Fillings
- Lack of durability – composite fillings wear out sooner than amalgams (lasting at least 5 years compared with at least 10 to 15 years for amalgams). In addition, they may not last as long as amalgams under the pressure of chewing and particularly if used as the filling material for large cavities.
- Increased chair time – because of the process to apply the composite material, these fillings can take up to 20 minutes longer than amalgams to place.
- Additional visits – if composites are used for inlays or onlays, more than one office visit may be required depending on location, composite materials can chip off the tooth.
- Expense – composite fillings can cost more than amalgams.
Problems with Dental Fillings
Tooth Pain and Sensitivity
- Tooth sensitivity following placement of a filling is fairly common. A tooth may be sensitive to pressure, air, sweet foods, or temperature. Usually, the sensitivity resolves itself on its own within a few weeks. During this time, avoid those things that are causing the sensitivity. Pain relievers are generally not required. Contact our office at Lowell Office Phone Number 219-696-2100 if the sensitivity does not subside within 2 to 4 weeks or if your tooth is extremely sensitive. We may recommend that you use a desensitizing toothpaste, or possibly suggest a root canal procedure.
- Pain around the fillings can also occur. If you experience pain when you bite, the filling is interfering with your bite. You will need to return to the dentist and have the filling reshaped. If you experience pain when your teeth simply touch, the pain is likely caused by the touching of two different metal surfaces (for example, the amalgam in a newly filled tooth and a gold crown on another tooth with which it touches). This pain should resolve itself on its own within a short period of time. If the decay was very deep or close to the pulp of the tooth, you may experience a “toothache-type” pain. This “toothache” response may indicate this tissue is no longer healthy. If this is the case, a root canal may be required.
- Sometimes people experience what is known as referred pain — pain or sensitivity in other teeth besides the one that received the filling. With this particular pain, there is likely nothing wrong with your teeth. The filled tooth is simply passing along “pain signals” it’s receiving to other teeth. This pain should decrease on its own over 1 to 2 weeks.
Deteriorating Fillings
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause dental fillings to wear away, chip, or crack. Although you may not be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your restorations during a regular check-up.
If the seal between the tooth enamel and the filling breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental pulp and may cause an abscessed tooth.
If the filling is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support a replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a dental crown.
Get the smile you've always wanted!
We are accepting New Patients and always look forward to helping you with all your dental needs.
For more information about Dental Fillings or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kouri, call our Lowell IN office at (219)-696-2100 or