If you have a cavity in a back tooth, then an amalgam filling or one made of gold will serve you well. Those fillings are very strong, and since your back teeth handle a great deal of pressure, those gold or amalgam are great choices. But if you have a cavity in a tooth that is easily seen by others, you will probably not want a filling that is easily noticeable by other people. If this is the case for you, you might want to talk to your dentist about a tooth-colored, or composite filling.
A composite filling is a combination of powdered glass and acrylic resin. The big advantage to a composite filling is that it can be shaded to match the color of your tooth. After removing the decayed material, the dentist will clean and dry your tooth. The tooth will need to be kept dry while the composite is placed. The filling is placed in layers, and each layer must be cured before the next layer can be placed. This layering process means that it takes longer to place a composite than other fillings, and it also means that composite fillings are not as strong as other types. After the last layer has been cured, the dentist will polish your filling to help it blend in with the surface of your tooth, and to make it stain-resistant. However, the filling can be stained over time, and your dentist will have to polish it to restore the color. You will need to continue to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your routine cleanings and exams.
If you have a cavity that you think may be a good candidate for a tooth-colored filling, our dentist, Dr. Mark Berard will be happy to see you for an exam and a consultation. If you live in the Holland, Michigan, area and would like to schedule an appointment at Mark D. Berard, DDS. We look forward to seeing you soon!