Cavities are among the most common dental conditions; most people will have to deal with one at some point. Most cavities require your dentist to remove the decayed portion of your tooth, and fill it with one of a variety of materials available for that purpose. Recent advances in the field of dentistry has made even more treatment options possible for minor procedures like tooth colored fillings, so if you haven’t required a tooth colored filling in some time, it would be a good idea to read up on what is available so that you understand the choices available to you.
What are composite resin fillings?
The most familiar type of filling for most of us is probably the silver, or amalgam, filling. Some amalgam fillings have been called mercury fillings, because some amalgam fillings contained mercury. Metal fillings were effective, but very conspicuous and tended to blacken in color over time.
Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. Tooth colored fillings colored to look like a natural tooth, known as Composite Resin Dental Fillings, are made of a plastic dental resin. Tooth colored fillings or composite resin dental fillings are strong and durable, and make for a very natural looking smile. Many dental insurance plans cover their use.
Who qualifies for composite resin dental fillings?
Composite resin dental fillings are an option for anyone who has a cavity or broken fillings, mercury fillings, or amalgam fillings.
Mercury fillings, or amalgam fillings, can easily be removed and replaced with tooth-colored resin fillings that many people find to be far more attractive alternatives. The composite resin fillings are also much stronger than metal fillings, and can therefor strengthen the tooth.
Composite resins may also be used to enhance the appearance of any tooth through a special bonding procedure. The composite resin will strengthen and enhance the natural tooth structure as it does with use as a dental filling.