Metal-free fillings have long been the restoration option of choice for front teeth. You have a cavity on one of your back teeth, though, and you want to know if you can still use composite resin to fill it. You prefer this material since it blends with your natural teeth, but you are unsure if it is an option. Get the details on using composite resin fillings on the back teeth.
At one time, metal-free fillings were only recommended for the front teeth. These fillings could not withstand the pressure of hard chewing and were prone to cracking and breaking. Now, though, dentists use durable materials when creating composite resin fillings. These fillings can withstand pressure from biting and can be applied to any of the teeth.
While composite resin fillings can be used on back teeth, this is only the case if the tooth has small to moderate amounts of decay. If a large portion of the tooth needs to removed, another restorative option will be needed. Silver amalgam and gold can be used for teeth with large amounts of decay, but some people do not care for these options. The fillings are very noticeable, and that makes some people uncomfortable. Dental inlays and onlays are also options. Dentists take impressions of the teeth and send them off to a lab where a tooth-colored inlay or onlay to go on the tooth is created.
Metal-free fillings for the back teeth take longer to place than metal fillings do. The dentist begins the process by removing saliva from the area. Then, the dentist removes the decay. Dentists only remove the damaged part of the tooth for this type of filling. This allows people to keep more of the natural tooth than would be possible with a metal filling.
After the decay is removed, the dentist places the first layer of composite resin and uses a light to harden it. Once a layer is hardened, a new layer is added until the hole is completely filled. The dentist then shapes the resin, so it matches the other tooth. While it takes slightly longer than placing a metal filling, many people are pleased with the results.
Composite resin fillings are made of stronger material than in the past, but the restorations still do not last as long as silver amalgam fillings. Metal fillings tend to last between 10-15 years, while composite resin fillings usually last for 5-10 years. However, proper care can extend the life of these fillings to 12 or more years.
If you have a small to moderately sized cavity on your back tooth, you can get a composite resin filling. The dentist will place the filling in layers and shape it to look like your tooth. The dentist will also take special care to match the color of the filling to your teeth’s natural color. If you think you are a good candidate for one of these fillings, your dentist will examine you to make sure. Then you can move forward with the filling.
Are you considering metal-free fillings in the Delray Beach area? Get more information at https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Oral surgery is a branch of dental care that offers a wide range of procedures designed to address conditions and issues affecting the mouth, teeth, and jaw. These procedures can help maintain oral health and address complex dental problems. Understanding the different approaches to oral surgery can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment…
Establishing a relationship with a family dentist offers numerous long-term benefits for maintaining oral health. By providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, a family dentist ensures continuity of treatment, early detection of potential problems, and education that fosters a lifetime of healthy habits. Investing in regular visits to a family dentist is an…
Dental implant restorations have transformed dentistry by offering a versatile and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. This approach to smile restoration seamlessly combines durability and natural aesthetics, restoring oral function and appearance. Because implant restorations can support different types of dental prosthetics, they address a variety of needs while preserving oral health. Understanding the…
A crucial component of being healthy is routine dental care. When oral health is ignored, harmful bacteria can compromise the rest of the body. Healthy dental practices involve a two-prong approach of visiting the dentist regularly and continuing oral health care at home. Discover more about what is considered routine and effective dental care practices.Making…
Oral surgery is a branch of dental care that offers a wide range of procedures designed to address conditions and issues affecting the mouth, teeth, and jaw. These procedures can help maintain oral health and address complex dental problems. Understanding the different approaches to oral surgery can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment…
Establishing a relationship with a family dentist offers numerous long-term benefits for maintaining oral health. By providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, a family dentist ensures continuity of treatment, early detection of potential problems, and education that fosters a lifetime of healthy habits. Investing in regular visits to a family dentist is an…