A Few Things You Might Not Know About Modern Fillings

Besides preventive dental checkups and cleanings, which everyone needs routinely, tooth fillings are among the most frequently performed dental treatments. That’s because cavities (an effect of tooth decay) affect more than 90 percent of adults at some point in their lives, and tooth fillings offer a highly versatile and effective way of treating them. For patients in Saxonburg, PA, who experience cavities, modern tooth fillings offer more benefits than they may realize, especially for the appearance and long-term health of their teeth.

Most People Will Need One at Some Point

The reason why tooth decay and cavities are so common is because they develop almost naturally. When oral bacteria accumulate into plaque, some of them convert sugars and carbs into acids that weaken the mineralized enamel protecting your teeth. Known as demineralization, this process leaves the bulk of your tooth structure exposed and vulnerable to harmful oral bacteria, which infect it and lead to the development of a cavity.

Today’s Fillings Look Like Natural Tooth Structure

While many people experience cavities, the good news is that they can often be successfully treated with minimally invasive treatment, such as a custom-designed tooth filling. Made from biocompatible composite resin, tooth-colored fillings can be customized to match the color and shade of the tooth’s healthy structure. Once placed in a cavity, the resin blends in discreetly with the tooth to create a virtually undetectable restoration.

You Can Upgrade an Old Filling to a Tooth-Colored One

Not long ago, most tooth fillings were comprised of metal amalgam rather than composite resin. However, if you have a metal filling, then you may be a good candidate for upgrading it to a tooth-colored filling one. The benefits of doing so go beyond your tooth’s appearance; compared to metal, composite resin conforms more precisely to your cavity’s shape and can create a stronger barrier against decay-causing oral bacteria.

Learn More About Today’s Tooth-Colored Fillings

Most people will experience a cavity at some point in their lives, but with a tooth-colored filling, treating it can be much less of an inconvenience than ever before. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Saxonburg Dental Care in Saxonburg, PA, today at (724) 352-4440.