Despite increased education and modern advances, cavities remain a significant health concern for both kids and adults. Without treatment, tooth decay can cause more severe mouth issues such as failing teeth and infection. For that reason, it is essential to visit your Sault Ste. Marie, ON dentist for routine visits. When you come to Great North Dental every six months, we can monitor your teeth and gums for signs of decay and other budding problems. If your dentist uncovers any oral health concerns, we offer various treatments to restore your healthy smile. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment.
Dentists use various tooth filling materials to repair decayed or damaged teeth, such as gold, traditional silver amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, and glass ionomers. However, the most frequently used dental fillings are silver amalgam and composite materials.
Traditional metal: Silver amalgam fillings have been in use the longest and are the most frequently used. The metal material is affordable and easy for your dentist in Sault Ste. Marie, ON to apply. These restorations consist of silver, mercury, copper, and tin combined. Due to their durability, traditional metal fillings work well on back teeth or to fix large cavities. The rear molars endure the harsh chewing forces, and silver amalgam restorations can withstand this intense pressure for many years. Also, the amalgam hardens fast, which is great for filling a child’s tooth or a hard-to-reach tooth.
Tooth-colored composite resin: Composite fillings are very popular because they are more aesthetically pleasing than metal fillings. The tooth-colored material is a mixture of glass or quartz, so it matches well with your natural teeth. While these fillings may look better than metal, they are not as strong. Therefore, tooth-colored fillings are best suited to repair minor to medium-sized cavities on anterior teeth. Feel free to contact the dentist near you in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, and ask any questions about dental filling options and the benefits of each choice.
When considering tooth filling materials, you must factor in the severity of the decay, location of the affected tooth, insurance coverage, and cost. Then you can make a better-informed decision regarding the most suitable dental filling for your case.