For many years, amalgam or silver fillings were used to repair tooth decay and fill a cavity. Just how many years? In 1819 an English chemist invented the first mercury-based amalgam, and while the content may have been altered over the years, this remained the only substance that dentists used. However, concern arose as to whether or not the mercury in fillings could leach into the body and cause harm. Although scientists and dentists have not come to a firm conclusion as to whether or not this is a real health threat, all agree that a viable alternative is preferable. For Dr. R. Troupe Davis, your Naples dentist, that alternative is tooth-colored fillings.
Naples Dentist for Tooth Repair
Aside from the possible health concerns, many people are embarrassed by their smiles because of the dark spot that an amalgam filling creates in your smile. In addition, some people experience metal sensitivity with silver fillings, an annoying sensation that can occur anytime, but most often when you eat certain foods. Metal fillings are also temperature sensitive, which can make eating hot or cold foods difficult.
If you experience any of these circumstances, or if just want to get rid of the dark spots in your smile, then you may want to consider tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made of composite resin materials, which are essentially medical-grade plastics that are hard enough to withstand the pressures of chewing and biting. A tooth-colored filling will not only restore the health and function of a tooth, but this material also recreates the natural appearance of your tooth, too. Tooth-colored fillings offer several advantages over traditional silver or amalgam fillings.
First of all, because a tooth-colored filling is made of composite resins, Dr. Davis and his staff can carefully create a mixture of these materials to exactly match the color of your existing teeth. Therefore when you smile, nobody else but you will ever know that you’ve had a filling repaired.
Secondly, a tooth-colored filling is unlike an amalgam filling in that it actually bonds with the remaining tooth structure. An amalgam filling simply rests within the tooth and is held in place by pressure. Thus, the filling is always susceptible to cracks and leakage. A tooth-colored filling, on the other hand, bonds closely with your tooth. Thus, the connection between your tooth and the composite resin material serves to strengthen the remaining tooth structure; your tooth is less likely to break and you will not feel the effects of temperature changes in your mouth as you switch from eating hot and cold foods.
For an Outstanding Dentist, Naples Turns to Dr. Davis
Dr. Davis has found that with proper oral hygiene at home and regular dental checkups, most tooth-colored fillings will last up to 10 years, which is about the same amount of time as an amalgam filling. In addition, a tooth-colored filling leaves more of your natural tooth structure in place. For you this means less time under the dentist’s drill. And for Dr. Davis—the dentist Naples residents rely on—it means that you are able to main better dental health for years to come. A word of caution, however: composite resin can stain. So, if you are a coffee or tea drinker, you may want to brush more often or rinse with clear water afterwards. This can reduce the chances of staining. Alternatively, Dr. Davis can coat your tooth-colored fillings with dental sealants.
Call today to reserve your personal consultation with Dr. R. Troup Davis. Our Naples dental office serves patients from Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Marco Island, and beyond. We can’t wait to give you the healthy, beautiful smile of your dreams.
Request a Call Back
Would you like to speak to us over the phone? Just submit your details and we’ll be in touch shortly. You can also email us if you would prefer.
We are open:
Mon., Tues. & – Thur.: 8 am – 5 pm
Lunch: 1 pm – 2 pm.
Wed.: 8 am – 4pm
We would be delighted to speak.