Fillings
When it comes to fillings, most people think of them as the metal or silver things used to cover cavities on your teeth. Contrary to popular belief, there are actually a variety of filling options with different colors and composition. The two most popular are metal fillings and composite fillings.
What are composite fillings? Commonly called “white fillings” by patients, composite fillings are usually made of resin and resemble natural teeth more than traditional amalgam fillings. Long used mainly for teeth toward the front of the mouth that are more visible, technology has advanced so that composite fillings are strong enough for teeth in the back of the mouth.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “amalgam has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans. However, the fact that its formulation includes mercury content has raised safety concerns in the minds of (many dentists). North Heacock Dental Group offers composite fillings, which have these advantages over metal fillings:
- Aesthetic appeal: the shade of the filling can be matched to the rest of your teeth, making it almost indistinguishable. This is especially beneficial for teeth that are more visible than others.
- Versatility: Whether you have a cavity or a chipped/broken tooth, composite fillings can discreetly cover it thanks to its superior bonding and easy-to-work-with properties.
- Less damage to your natural teeth: With metal fillings, the dentist may need to remove a large amount of tooth so they can reach or cover the decay. With composite fillings, they can remove less or none at all.
- More support: Composite fillings prevent breakage and provide more support than metal fillings because of their chemical bonding, which securely adheres to your natural teeth.
While composite fillings may be slightly more expensive and less durable than metal fillings, you can’t beat their cosmetic appeal. Even if you have multiple teeth with composite fillings, people likely won’t be able to tell the difference.
If you have a cavity and are considering which type of filling is right for you, schedule a consultation with North Heacock Dental Group today.
Sealants
Dental sealants help prevent the development of cavities by filling in teeth grooves or fissures with a thin plastic coating. This helps stop the growth of plaque and cavity-causing bacteria without drilling or removing any amount of the tooth. Best of all, they’re practically invisible.
Dental sealants are a plastic material usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.
Sealants are easy to apply at North Heacock Dental Group. They can protect the teeth from hard-to-reach areas where a toothbrush may not reach. Dental sealants protect the tooth from decay. They usually can withstand regular chewing. During regular dental check-ups, our dentists will check your sealants and reapply them when necessary.
Ask Drs. Reagan & Smith if dental sealants are right for you. Now taking new dental patients in Moreno Valley, Riverside & Perris.
