We do our best to prevent tooth decay, brushing and flossing regularly and attending scheduled dental cleanings. However, despite our best efforts, bacteria sometimes succeed in damaging our teeth. When they do, it is important that a dental filling be placed to prevent the bacteria from burrowing deeper inside of a tooth, where it can cause an infection. In the past, dental fillings were made out of dental amalgam, containing several metals including low levels of mercury. Today, however, a new option exists for dental fillings. To learn more about these newer white fillings, read below as your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, discusses several of their benefits.
Advantages of White Fillings
- They are proven and durable. The material used for white dental fillings is a composite resin. This material is also used for dental bonding, a procedure by which chipped, pitted, and stained teeth can be repaired. The composite resin material begins in a pliable state, allowing it to be sculpted into any desired shape. It is then hardened with a curing light, making it very durable.
- They offer great cosmetic results. White fillings are particularly popular for the cosmetic results they produce. The composite resin material can be tinted to allow it blend in well with the teeth that surround it. Thus, your dental filling does not have to stand out or detract from the beauty of your smile.
- They contain no mercury. Amalgam fillings have come into question recently because of the low levels of mercury that they contain. While they are still placed by many dental offices and have not been ruled dangerous, white fillings offer a great alternative for people who have mercury sensitivities and for children and pregnant women.
Schedule a Visit with Your Brighton Dentist
Would you like to learn more about white fillings? Do you have a tooth that has succumbed to decay? If so, contact your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani, today to schedule an appointment or a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group at (617) 562-5210. We proudly serve patients from Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Brighton, and the 02135 area.
