Do You Have A Cavity?

Even the most disciplined individuals are likely to get a cavity at some point in their lifetime. For the most part, dentists treat cavities in the same way—by removing the decayed portion of a tooth and “filling in” the diseased area with material to restore and protect the tooth. According to WebMD, today’s dental fillings consist of gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, tooth-colored, plastic, composite resin and even a material containing particles of glass (glass ionomer). Thus, individuals have options when it comes to their filling material. However, the location of the cavity and the extent of tooth decay also play a role.

Both strong and durable, cast gold fillings can last up to 15 years, and are generally more aesthetically pleasing than their silver counterparts. Yet, they are more expensive and do not appeal to individuals seeking a natural-looking dental filling solution. In the same way, silver amalgam fillings are durable and quite strong, yet they are noticeable and have resulted in a greater number of tooth cracks and fractures due to expansion and contraction beneath the surface.

On the other hand, tooth-colored composite fillings are closely matched to the color of one’s natural teeth and are “bonded” to a tooth’s structure. This means that less of the original tooth is removed to place the filling, which is an advantage. Even so, they are somewhat expensive and are not as durable as gold or silver dental fillings.

Aside from metal fillings and composite materials, ceramic and/or porcelain dental fillings provide a few key advantages. For instance, they are aesthetically pleasing, highly resistant to staining and durable. Yet, they are more abrasive. Glass ionomer, comprised of acrylic and glass are best suited for dental fillings that are below the gum line, as well as for fillings in young children. This is because glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which combats decay. The only drawback is that this material is more susceptible to wear and tear, and they do not last as long as composite types.

Reliable Restorative Dental Care

Residents throughout Acworth, Kennesaw and surrounding communities experience reliable restorative dental care at Kennesaw Mountain Dental Associates, led by Dr. Hamir Contractor, Dr. Suhasini Arun and their experienced dental team.

Using only the highest quality materials and technologies, including advanced options in sedation dentistry, Dr. Contractor makes every effort to ensure that patients are relaxed and comfortable, no matter which restorative procedure they are receiving. Therefore, if you have a dental cavity, call us today.