What Are the Benefits of White Fillings?
The majority of people have at least one cavity throughout their lives. Cavities do need to be filled, to prevent the tooth decay from spreading, and to strengthen the tooth. While many patients are nervous about going to the dentist, especially for dental benefits of white fillings, newer procedures and types of fillings are helping to create more positive experiences.
The good news is that white fillings are available, which offer some significant benefits, and have the advantage of being applied in a very simple procedure with minimal discomfort. There are some very good reasons for choosing white fillings.
What Are White Fillings?
White fillings are used by your dentist to fill cavities, after the tooth decay has been cleaned out of the tooth. They are made of a tooth-coloured composite resin which matches the colour of your teeth for a very natural appearance. They are also called composite fillings, because of the composite resin that is used. The dentist will apply layers of composite resin, or mould it into the cavity area after it has been cleaned out. Each layer is cured with a blue light, to harden the material.
Benefits of Choosing White Fillings
The simple procedure and the nature of the material used for these white fillings offer some great benefits to patients who receive them.Treat Tooth Decay
Just like any dental filling, a composite filling is an excellent way to treat a cavity, as the decay is removed and the hole protected by the filling. Having a dental filling will reduce the pain associated with cavities, and restore structure to the tooth to prevent further issues. However, in addition to this, it is easier to spot future tooth decay or other issues around white fillings, compared to amalgam fillings, because they match your natural tooth colour.More Natural Appearance Compared to Silver Fillings or Amalgam Fillings
Unlike amalgam fillings, silver fillings, or other metal fillings, which are not tooth-coloured and darken over time, white fillings match the colour of your teeth, and are nearly invisible. This makes them a popular choice for many patients.Less Tooth Structure Needs to Be Removed
Because white tooth fillings more easily mould into teeth before being cured, and bond well to tooth surfaces, less of your tooth needs to be removed to make the filling bond well to your tooth's surface. This also makes composite fillings better for very small fillings.
Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
White fillings are better for reducing tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures. While any filling will reduce the pain and sensitivity that cavities cause, white fillings have insulating properties to protect a tooth better than metal fillings, which often cause tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks.Help Fix Broken Teeth
Versatile white fillings can be used to fix broken teeth, as well as fill cavities. Because the composite resin can be easily moulded and shaped, it is also useful for restoring fractures, chips, and cracks in teeth, too. For small cracks and chips, the material can be applied directly to restore and protect the tooth.More Easily Repaired
Unlike amalgam fillings which usually need to be taken out once they start to degrade, composite fillings can be repaired more easily. In some cases, a white filling can be touched up directly with more material.Easy Application
The composite resin material is painted on in layers, or moulded into the cavity hole, and cured with a blue light to harden it, making this a very easy procedure. For larger cavities, it may take a while because each layer needs to harden, but the process is very simple and comfortable. Because white fillings are fully hardened after curing, you can also eat right away afterwards. Afterwards, they do not require any special care, other than regular good oral hygiene.
Do You Need Dental Fillings?
Tooth Buds Dentistry offers white fillings to our patients. If you have tooth pain, and suspect you have a cavity or cavities, contact our office today for a free consultation & get a filling, before decay can spread further.We can also help coordinate dental insurance for your white fillings for you, to make your visit simpler. We look forward to helping both our loyal and new patients!
