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White Fillings

Tooth Exam

White Fillings

White Fillings (also called composite fillings) are superior to silver amalgam fillings. Amalgam has been around for over 180 years but dentistry has moved on - nowadays fillings can be natural looking.

 

As people become more conscious about these new options and the way they look, they don't want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile. Others are concerned about the mercury in silver amalgam fillings. 

 

White composite fillings are by far the most popular fillings because of their natural appearance and strength. A composite filling is selected to match the colour of your teeth as closely as possible. They are almost impossible to detect and are an excellent replacement for stained, chipped or leaking fillings.

 

At Stellenbosch Dental Studio we only use white composite fillings.

 

What are the problems with silver fillings?

  • They are unaesthetic (not tooth coloured)

  • They contain mercury

  • More of the tooth structure must be removed to accommodate the filling

  • The filling is stronger than composite, but it weakens the tooth

  • They creep (expand pitch and grow bigger) as they get older and causes cracking both internally and externally which leads to leakage and secondary decay

 

What is the advantages of white fillings and what do composite fillings contain?

Composite resins are used to make tooth-coloured fillings. They are mainly made of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient.

 

There are many advantage to using white fillings, such as:

  • They bond to the tooth and make the tooth stronger

  • They require less removal of the tooth structure

  • Your teeth are less sensitive to hot and cold foods than they are with amalgam fillings

  • They don’t contain mercury, which is important to people who are concerned about the mercury in amalgam fillings

  • They look natural, so people can’t tell that you have fillings in your teeth

 

Can my dentist replace my silver fillings?

We can replace your amalgam (silver filling), in one simple appointment. Whether you would like your amalgam filling replaced for health, functionality or cosmetic reasons, you will love the look and feel of your tooth once you have it replaced with a white material. 

 

How will I know if I need a filling?

Often there are no symptoms of tooth decay. Symptoms that can indicate that you may need a filling (also known as restorations) can include, but are not limited to:

  • Sensitivity of the tooth to pressure or sugary foods 

  • Toothache or pain (can be a sharp or throbbing pain)

  • A hole in the tooth that you can see or feel

  • Floss that keeps tearing in a particular spot

 

Our dentists will check if you need fillings as part of a full examination which would include x-rays if necessary. If a filling is required, your dentist will remove decay from inside the tooth, and fill the cavity with one of a wide range of white filling materials.

 

Prevention is key! 

It is important that you regularly see a dentist because not all decay and problems give rise to any symptoms or pain. In fact most start silently in the early stages and if picked up early can mean a simple, cost effective and less invasive treatment instead of a more expensive and complex procedure if left untreated.  


 

When last did you have a full dental check-up? Book your visit with us!

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