Tooth-Colored Fillings

No one likes getting a cavity. Cavities are areas of decay that can form on any tooth surface. To repair a cavity, the decay must be removed and replaced with a filling. In the past, dentists relied on fillings made of silver and mercury (known as amalgam fillings). Today, though, most dentists—including Dr. Patrick—use composite fillings, which are also referred to as tooth-colored fillings.

Tooth-colored fillings are custom tinted to blend with the color of your existing tooth structure. What’s more, they provide more support for teeth than amalgam fillings, and they won’t change shape because of temperature changes. As a result, tooth-colored fillings are less likely to crack or break, putting patients at a lower risk for bacterial reinvasion.

What Causes Tooth Decay in the First Place?

Our mouths contain different strains of bacteria—some good, some bad. Decay is caused by the bad bacteria. They emit harmful acid that eats away at the protective enamel on the outside of our teeth. The acid can also eat through the dentin underneath, causing pain where the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are vulnerable. When decay reaches the dentin, the best treatment is often a root canal or extraction.

Have you recently been diagnosed with a cavity, or do you have an old amalgam filling you want to replace? We would be happy to help you. Call our Athens, Georgia, dental office to schedule your consultation appointment.