Traditionally, dentists have used what’s known as amalgam, or special metal alloys, to fill cavities. However, modern dental medicine has advanced to the point that Hillsboro dentist Dr. Ryan Cowan can offer patients a much better option for filling holes caused by tooth decay: composite fillings. At Cowan Family Dentistry, we would like to educate you on the benefits of tooth-colored, composite fillings, so please let this article serve as your personal fillings fact sheet.
Once upon a time, the choices for dental restoration materials were limited. Records dating back as far as 659 A.D. tell us that amalgams (mixtures of silver, mercury, tin, and/or copper) have been used widely for more than 1300 years.
There have been a number of scientific disputes (referred to as the amalgam war) over the health concerns of using mercury, but the American Dental Association has always defended the safety of amalgam fillings. Until recently, amalgam fillings were favored because of their strength, resilience, and relative ease of preparation and placement. In spite of their positive qualities, amalgams have three main drawbacks:
Modern dentistry offers many options for dental restorations. The most commonly used fillings are made of gold, amalgam, composite, or porcelain. Dr. Cowan prefers composite fillings because they are:
Composite resin fillings are made from powdered glass and plastic, which is placed directly on the tooth in thin layers, then shaped and polished. Cowan Family Dentistry uses a special curing light source to accelerate the bonding process.
Composite fillings are generally more durable than porcelain, significantly less expensive than gold, and do not expand and contract like amalgam fillings. Patients often prefer composite fillings because they look just like natural teeth.
If you have any questions about fillings or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today!
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-fillings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_restoration
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalgam_(dentistry)
Cowan Family Dentistry
201 Old Brandon Rd.
Hillsboro, TX 76645
254.582.9555
https://goo.gl/maps/6CC1y1ToGV8xpskk9
Please call us at (254) 582-9555 or fill out the form below to request an appointment.