Metal-Free Fillings Near You
In the past, traditional amalgam fillings left patients with visible dark marks on their teeth and overall poor aesthetics. However, aesthetic appeal was not the only factor that made metal fillings an undesirable option. Metals used in these fillings, such as mercury and silver contained harmful elements and are known to emit electric currents. This can cause adverse effects on a patient’s oral health, as well as their overall health. In addition, these metal fillings do not have the ability to stop tooth decay in its tracks and as a result tooth decay can develop underneath the filling.
What are Metal-Free Fillings?
Today, metal-free fillings in South Tampa are a favored solution in cosmetic dentistry. Metal-free fillings are used to restore damage done by tooth decay as they consist of a tooth-colored plastic and glass combination. These composites improve a patient’s aesthetics and enhance a patients smile by creating consistency. Metal-free fillings offer patients natural results, a stronger bond to the teeth, versatile tooth repairs and most importantly a metal-free solution.
What to Expect When Getting Metal-Free Fillings
A cavity is formed when the enamel of the tooth is damaged and begins to destroy the inner layers, caused by decay. When a cavity is formed, a patient will typically complain of sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods and will experience toothaches if the dentin is exposed. When a cavity is not addressed as soon as possible, it can lead to root canal therapy.
If you are receiving dental fillings in South Tampa, it is due to the development of cavities in the mouth. Composite resins, in specific, are fillings that do not entail any metals. These materials are invisible inside a patients mouth as they blend with the color of natural teeth. During the filling process, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth that will be repaired. Using a gel and bonding agent, the tooth is prepared for the composite to ensure that the filling is stuck on to the tooth. Next, a composite resin is applied to the tooth layer by layer. Lastly, the material is molded, shaped and hardened via ultraviolet light and then trimmed and polished. Note, patients receiving a metal-free filling should always confirm with their dentist that the composite being used is free from bisphenol A or any other metal.
The Durability of Composite Resins
The main attraction of metal-free fillings is that they offer transparency inside the patient’s mouth. In addition, composite resin fillings are more durable than traditional ones and also strengthen the tooth’s structure.