Dental Fillings 101

Finding out that you have a cavity is never what you hope for when you visit us, of course, but you happen to be in luck. Addressing tooth decay is a simple procedure that typically yields beautiful results. You can quickly find yourself smiling again and in complete comfort, thanks to the many benefits of dental fillings. While you know that a filling is the right course of action for a cavity, do you know why? And how much do you know about your options? To clear up any confusion you may have, and to give you the confidence you need to feel good about your upcoming appointment, we have covered the basics with the following (but please remember – we always encourage you to voice your questions and concerns when you visit us):

A Filling Solves Your Problem

If you have a cavity, the problem will only become worse over time. Once we numb your tooth and the surrounding area, we will achieve the following with a filling:

• Removal of decayed dental tissue
• The creation of a smooth, clean opening
• We will fill the opening with composite or amalgam
• Your tooth’s health and structure is restored

You Have Options

We offer both composite and amalgam dental fillings, which we will suggest according to your needs. Consider the following details:

Amalgam is a mix of metals that provides extreme strength and budget friendliness – we most often suggest this for back teeth, which are load bearing and difficult for onlookers to see. Amalgam contains a small amount of mercury, which is safe for most people. However, it poses a danger to pregnant women and people allergic to metal.

Composite is made of synthetic resin, and we can color-match it to the tooth in question – it is strong and blends seamlessly with your existing smile. Composite is safe for nearly everyone, including people who are allergic to metal as well as pregnant women.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.