For over 150 years, cavities were filled with a mixture of metals, including silver and mercury. At that time, it was perfectly normal to see dark grey areas in someone’s mouth when they laughed. Silver amalgams tend to weaken the teeth and make them more susceptible to breaking, which can be very expensive to correct.
Today, you can get your cavities, as well as any other hollow areas in your teeth, filled with composite fillings. Composite fillings restore the tooth, rather than “filling” the tooth. They bond directly to the tooth, strengthening the tooth by recreating most of its original shape. In addition, composite fillings are made from resins that are matched to your tooth’s color, so they become invisible when applied. Composite fillings also provide an excellent seal on the affected area, so further tooth decay can be prevented.
Determining factors for type of filling include:
- The size of the area that needs to be filled
- The location and function of the affected area in the mouth
- Allergies the patient might have
- The preference of the patient regarding the use of metals in the mouth
- Whether it is necessary cosmetically to have a tooth-colored filling
Tending to your need for fillings will brighten your smile and leave your teeth with a more natural look and feel. If you are unsure about the appropriate material or treatment method, schedule an appointment today for a consultation. Drs. Hoover and Yanda are happy to serve you in their Hudson office!