Why do people need fillings?
Acid-producing bacteria in the mouth can cause tooth enamel to slowly decay over time. Once this decay gets too advanced, it forms cavities on our teeth. These cavities can continue to grow until the whole tooth is compromised or infected. By filling these cavities, we can stop their growth and protect our teeth for years to come.
What are fillings made out of?
There are two common materials used in dental fillings: metal amalgam, and composite resin. Dental amalgam is made out of various metals, and produces the classic image of a mouth full of black and silver patches on the teeth.
Dental composite, or composite resin, is a special kind of resin that can be applied as a paste to the tooth and hardened in minutes. It can be colored to match the shade of the tooth around it, making it very discrete.
Our experienced team of dentists at Universal Dental Care offer composite resin fillings for fast, effective, and esthetically pleasing results.
Should I replace my amalgam fillings?
There is a concern that amalgam fillings can leak heavy metals into the bloodstream. While there is mixed evidence, there are several reasons why you might want to remove amalgam fillings.
- They’ve become loose over time
- They’ve cracked the surrounding tooth
- They cause pain when you bite
In these cases, your dentist in Kent WA at Universal Dental Care can remove your amalgam fillings and replace them with composite resin.
Does my child need fillings?
If your child notices any tooth sensitivity, or if you can see pits appearing in their teeth, they may need fillings. Tooth enamel is soft and susceptible to decay in children, particularly if they eat lots of sugary foods.
Universal Dental Care is a children’s dentist in Federal Way, WA that can assess and treat your child’s dental health needs. If they require fillings, we’ll let you know and provide them in a calm and stress-free manner for your child.
Think it’s time you get fillings of your own? You’ll find the best dentists in Federal Way, WA for fillings at Universal Dental Care.