Should I get Metal or Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Metal, or amalgam, fillings are an older dental practice. Before we had the technology to create tooth-colored fillings, metal worked to stop cavities in their tracks. Now, though, we can seal cavities while preserving natural tooth structure and appearance. The bonding of resin to tooth filaments ensures a smooth, natural appearance. Additionally, tooth-colored fillings don’t have the same metallic taste in your mouth associated with amalgam fillings. Best of all, composite fillings look just like normal teeth. Alas, there’s no need to hide your clunky metal fillings when you go out for brunch because your fillings will look just like your other teeth.

If There’s No Metal, What’s In A Tooth-Colored Filling?

Actually, composite fillings are a mixture of powdered glass and plastic resin. With different amounts of resin, your dental team makes a blend that matches the color of your teeth perfectly. Since the composite mixture has no metal, people who are prone to allergies tend to do better with composite fillings as well.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

  • Your smile won’t lack in appearance for better comfort. Your smile will look just as good, or even better, after receiving your composite fillings.
  • The bonding substances actually make your teeth stronger. Composite fillings can fix chips, breaks, and fill cavities, using a high-tech bonding structure. This method also allows you to keep as much of your natural tooth structure as possible since we won’t have to remove as much of your tooth. Luckily, this means less drilling, too!
  • With composite, you won’t have to taste metal in your mouth while you’re eating. Instead, you’ll be able to eat your favorite foods ー that will continue to taste like your favorite foods.

The Procedure & Time Commitment

Getting your tooth-colored fillings is an easy, painless process. First, we will numb your mouth so you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the filling. Then, we remove any decaying tissue with a drill, leaving as much solid tooth tissue as possible. Since bacteria enters the cavity through decayed tissue, we will clean your tooth before filling it. Next, your dentist will place and dry the resin composite in layers to ensure sturdy bonding to your tooth. At the end of the procedure, we will shape your new tooth so it’s comfortable and appealing.

Because our composite resin hardens during the procedure, you don’t need any recovery time. You can immediately go back to normal activity, though you may want to wait until you can feel your tongue again!

For the first day or two after your appointment, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. This is completely normal after getting a filling. However, if your sensitivity doesn’t go away in a week, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sprouse so we can fix your discomfort.

How Long Do They Last?

Generally, tooth-colored fillings have a lifespan of five to ten years. Though they may have a shorter lifespan than metal fillings, they’re also easier to fix. If you visit your dentist regularly, he or she will notice them starting to wear down. When that happens, all we have to do is place another layer of the composite mixture to patch up the filling. Our patients report that the ease as well as the look of composite fillings make a huge difference to beautify their smiles.

Schedule a Consultation with Your Cosmetic Dentist in Marietta

If you experience pain, discomfort, or sensitivity in your teeth, schedule a consultation in Marietta with Dr. Sprouse is happy to present you with options to ease your oral pain while keeping your smile flawless. Give us a call at (770) 973-1380 to book an appointment today.