Metal-free fillings are becoming increasingly popular for people who have cavities. Before you get one of these fillings, you want to know about the strength. You might think that fillings must contain metal to be strong and durable, but that is not the case. Learn more about the strength that composite fillings offer.
Composite fillings strengthen and stabilize natural teeth. In many ways, these fillings are stronger than metal fillings. Get the details to learn how composite fillings can toughen teeth.
Before placing metal fillings, dentists must remove a large amount of the natural tooth structure. This weakens the tooth and makes it more prone to cracks and breaks. Also, it makes it more difficult to complete future dental restorations. If the tooth becomes decayed again, the dentist might have to use a crown to stabilize and restore it.
Dentists do not have to remove nearly as much of the tooth before placing composite fillings. They do not have to shape the hole left behind by the decay, so the damaged area can be removed and the filling placed. Teeth filled with composite resin are less likely to break or crack because the tooth is much stronger.
Composite fillings bond to the existing tooth structure. This provides additional strength to the tooth. Instead of treating the filling like a foreign object, it becomes part of the tooth.
When looking at the strength of fillings, one must also consider if the fillings expand and contract. The size of metal fillings changes based on the temperature. Expanding and contracting can damage the teeth. The filled tooth can crack and harm the surrounding teeth. Composite resin fillings do not expand and contract. This protects the filled tooth and the surrounding teeth from damage.
When patients get metal fillings, they have to follow guidelines during the first several days. People should not eat hard and sticky foods and must floss and brush carefully around the filling. Failure to comply with the instructions can weaken the filling and the tooth. The same is not true for composite fillings. Patients can resume normal activities right after receiving the filling.
While metal-free fillings strengthen teeth, these restorations do not last as long as silver fillings. Silver fillings can last 10-15 years. White composite fillings last 5-10 years in most cases. However, some people manage to keep the fillings for 12 or more years.
While composite fillings do not last as long as metal fillings, the restorations are stronger and more durable in many ways. You can keep more of your tooth’s natural structure and the filling will bond to your damaged tooth. Also, it will not contract or expand and you will not have to worry about restrictions. Speak to your dentist about the other benefits of getting composite fillings.
Request an appointment here: https://www.roswelldentalsmiles.com or call Roswell Dental Smiles at (770) 238-1209 for an appointment in our Roswell office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
Dental implants, while an excellent tooth replacement option, require a strenuous process and months-long commitment. The dentist requires each patient to undergo a physical examination before approval. In the event of a denial, they may recommend additional procedures to help the qualify if the reason results from infection or degeneration in the gum tissue or…
Dental implants are the teeth replacement option that most closely resembles natural teeth in form and function. One of their most attractive benefits is their incredible versatility. For those in need of single-tooth or multiple teeth replacement, dental implants provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution.The dental implant refers to the screw-shaped metal implant the…
A dental implant can replace an entire dental structure. The titanium rods act like dental roots and anchor the artificial tooth to the jawbone. This restoration is the gold standard of dental replacements. Here are the details about using a dental implant to replace your missing tooth.The dentist will evaluate the patient’s mouth first. This…
Using dental implants to replace teeth can offer clear advantages, such as enhanced stability and longevity, that other tooth replacement options cannot match. For the right candidate, they offer tooth replacements that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. However, there are important things to consider before pursuing this option.A dental implant is a screw-like…