Dental Fillings in Huntsville, AL

Cavities are a prevalent dental issue, affecting everyone from young children to adults. It’s estimated that 91% of adults in America will have at least one cavity during their lifetime. This common dental problem occurs due to the decay of tooth enamel, often resulting from poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. While cavities can cause discomfort and lead to more serious oral health issues if left untreated, modern dentistry offers effective solutions for their treatment. Among these, dental fillings stand out as a primary method for restoring the integrity and functionality of the affected teeth.

Understanding Dental Fillings

Dentists use dental fillings to repair or restore teeth by filling empty spaces with durable materials. By closing the cavity, we can restore the tooth’s structural integrity. We also use fillings to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth worn down from grinding, also known as bruxism. Dental fillings are one of the most common and varied dental procedures, with a range of materials available for the filling.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Historically, dentists often used silver amalgam fillings to restore decayed teeth. Silver amalgam is a material composed of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. While it was favored for its durability and cost-effectiveness, silver amalgam fillings have significant drawbacks. The noticeable metallic appearance can be aesthetically unpleasing, and concerns have been raised about the mercury content. Due to these issues, we offer more modern and safer alternatives.

Composite dental fillings offer numerous benefits that make them an increasingly preferred option in modern dentistry. Unlike silver amalgam, composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with the natural structure of the tooth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result. Additionally, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, which can help preserve more of the healthy tooth structure compared to the removal often required for amalgam fillings. They also do not contain mercury, addressing health and environmental concerns associated with amalgam.

Furthermore, we can match the composite material to the exact shade of your teeth, making the filling virtually invisible. This is especially valuable for use in visible areas of the mouth. These advantages contribute to the growing popularity of composite fillings as a superior alternative for dental restorations.

How Do I Know If My Filling Needs to Be Replaced?

There are a few reasons that would indicate it’s time to replace your filling:

1. Wear and tear: The daily pressure of chewing, clenching, and grinding may cause your filling to chip, crack, or wear down. Dr. Clayton can identify any problems during your regular dental cleaning.
2. The seal is compromised: The seal connecting the enamel and your filling may break, causing bacteria and tiny food particles to accumulate and cause additional decay.
3. The filling falls out: Fillings may fall out for various reasons. If the cavity is large, replacing the filling might not be possible. Instead, we can protect the tooth with a dental crown.

Dental Fillings Restore Your Oral Health

If you need treatment for a cavity or repair for a small chip or crack in your tooth, a dental filling could be the ideal solution. At Chase Family Dentistry, we’ll walk you through all your options for filling materials and help you make the best choice for your situation. Schedule an appointment with us today, and take the first step towards improving your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions