Any bacteria that linger in your mouth will consume traces
of sugars and carbohydrates. When they do, they produce an acid byproduct that
is capable of wearing down tooth enamel. With less enamel, a tooth’s defenses
are compromised, and it can eventually succumb to tooth decay. The result of
such tooth decay may be a cavity. In order to prevent a cavity from worsening,
it must be filled, and today that means a choice between two fillings commonly
referred to as silver fillings and white
fillings. Your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, differentiates between the two and discusses the
process of filling teeth.
White Fillings vs. Silver Fillings
Your Grand Prairie
dentist, Dr. Smith, offers both white
fillings and silver fillings to restore damaged teeth. Both types of
fillings are effective, but there are a few differences worth noting between
the two. White fillings are made of a tooth-colored composite resin. They offer
nice cosmetic results that keep a filled tooth from standing out next to
unfilled teeth. Silver fillings, also called amalgam fillings, are made up of a
combination of different types of metals. Included in these metals is a bit of
mercury that aids in making the metals malleable so that they can be shaped.
However, the presence of mercury makes an amalgam filling a bad option for
children, pregnant women, and anyone who is sensitive to mercury.
Filling a Tooth
When filling a tooth, Dr. Smith will first administer a
sedative. He may also use nitrous oxide. Next, he will scrape away and remove
any decayed material from the tooth before placing the filing material, either
the resin or the amalgam into the cavity. Next, he will dry the filling
material and take an impression of the filled tooth to look for any rough
edges. Lastly, he will smooth and polish the filling.
Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Dentist
If you have a cavity, a white
filling can restore your tooth and yield fantastic cosmetic results.
Schedule an appointment with your Grand
Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. Our 75052 dental
office welcomes patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar
Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.
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