Composite (White) Fillings
Dental cavities are usually
slow-forming, so you cannot always feel them. That means the best time
to catch a cavity is when it is small, so you can save as much of the
healthy tooth structure that is surrounding the area of the cavity as
possible. This is why it is important to always schedule regular dental exams with Dr.
Kederian—so she
can catch cavities or signs of cavities as early as possible.
In the past, amalgam or silver
fillings were the most common types of filling materials used to treat
dental cavities. These fillings are very strong and durable, but are
not aesthetically pleasing, and give teeth a grayish shadow. Luckily, Dr. Kederian only uses composite or white fillings
for her patients. Composite fillings are strong, durable fillings comprised
of a material that can be designed to perfectly match the color of the
tooth.
Composite or white fillings
have become very popular in recent years, as people with cavities seek
to retain the natural beauty of their smiles. In addition to being more
aesthetically pleasing than amalgam fillings, composite fillings are
also beneficial because they do not contain any mercury, as amalgam
or silver fillings do. The debate over the safety of fillings that contain
mercury has been discussed for many years. Presently, it is thought
that amalgam fillings containing mercury are indeed safe and not cause
for health concerns. However, by using composite fillings, Dr. Kederian helps her patients remain free from
all speculation and worry.
Composite fillings are made
of resin-based materials that chemically bond (or adhere) to natural
tooth structure. This allows Dr.
Kederian to be
more conservative when removing decay and unhealthy tooth structure,
meaning more of your natural tooth is preserved. Unlike amalgam fillings,
with composite fillings only the unhealthy portion of the tooth must
be removed, meaning less drilling. Imagine getting a cavity filled without
needing any anesthetic! Another great advantage to white fillings is
that they are dried (cured) quickly with an ultraviolet light, meaning
that patients are free to return to all their normal activities as soon
as they leave the dental office—including chewing and biting.
If you think you may have a
cavity or are looking for a replacement to an unsightly amalgam filing,
talk to
Dr.
Kederian about
a composite filling. The procedure is quick, quite painless, and leaves
your naturally beautiful smile in tact.
Back
Photos