A white-colored composite resin filling is the most conservative restorative option for a decayed or broken tooth in dentistry today. The composite resin filling material is available in many shades to match the color of the tooth that it will be placed in. However, using a white filling material is not just about aesthetics. The most important reason to use composite resin as filling material is conservation of tooth structure.
When a tooth has decay present and needs to be fixed, a white filling only requires the removal of the diseased tooth structure (the cavity); nothing more. In contrast, when using the silver amalgam filling material, healthy enamel and dentin is removed as well to allow for the bulk placement of the metal filling. Take a look at some of the differences between the two types of filling materials:
Amalgams (Silver)
- Do not seal teeth
- Do not reinforce the remaining tooth structure
- Do not allow conservation of tooth structure
- Are not aesthetic
Composite Resins (White)
- Seal teeth
- Chemically bond to enamel and dentin for strength and durability
- Very conservative of healthy tooth structure
- Are very aesthetic
At Allen Dental, we use composite resin filling and only remove the diseased or broken part of the tooth. We save all of the healthy, intact enamel and dentin and place a conservative tooth-colored filling in replacement of the diseased or broken part of the tooth. If needed, we also remove the failing amalgam metal fillings you have and replace them with a tooth-colored composite resin material to ensure a long-lasting, pain-free, and better looking result.
If you need some fillings removed, give us a call to schedule an appointment: 608-786-3303.