Your dentist found a cavity, so what will you do now? If you are one of those who has been told you have a cavity, then your dentist probably told you that you will need a dental filling. For many years, the only option when it came to dental fillings were silver “amalgam” fillings, known to contain a toxic metal known as mercury. At Richmond Hill Smiles, we are dedicated to providing the safest, healthiest and most effective treatment options, therefore, we rarely use amalgam and opt for composite, tooth-colored fillings.
They are sometimes called composite or white fillings. They are composed of a synthetic blending of plastic and resin that can withstand the force of chewing in the back molar. This filling type is used the most to restore teeth that are visible when you smile as it blends with the natural smile, making treatment virtually unnoticeable.
Composite fillings are laid in the cavity in thin, progressive layers. Each of the layers is bonded to the layer before it by using a blue light that will harden each of the layers of the composite. This process will repeat until the tooth prep is complete. When this is done, the mixture that is tooth-colored will then be contoured and polished off to fit your bite.
This composite filling will last anywhere from eight to twelve years all depending on how you take care of your teeth, the location of your tooth, and how big your filling is in your tooth. It is also important to schedule routine, professional dental care, your dentist can make sure your dental filling is still providing the protection you need. If your dentist notices that your filling is no longer properly protecting your smile, it may be recommended that you replace it.
If you believe that you or a loved one may be suffering from tooth decay or a cavity, feel free to contact Richmond Hill Smiles for a consultation. We’d be more than happy to evaluate your smile and overall oral health to determine if our tooth-colored dental fillings are the right option for you.