When considering filling materials for restoring posterior teeth, the choice often boils down to two options: amalgam (silver) fillings and composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings. Another question that arises is whether one should replace existing silver fillings with tooth-colored ones. The decision hinges on personal preference, and both materials come with their own set of pros and cons. Factors influencing this decision include aesthetic appearance, cost, durability, and the extent of tooth structure removal required for restoration.
Benefits of Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are known for their durability and affordability, making them a common choice in many dental practices. These fillings are also easier to place. However, a downside is that amalgam relies on mechanical retention, necessitating undercuts in the dental preparation. This means more tooth structure must be removed, leaving the tooth more susceptible to leakage and breakage over time. As teeth contract and expand with temperature changes, the amalgam also shifts, potentially impacting the longevity and stability of the filling.
Some patients are wary of amalgam fillings because they contain heavy metals unlike the synthetic plastic material of composite resin. This concern contributes to the growing interest in more aesthetically pleasing alternatives.
Advantages of Composite Resin
Composite resin fillings offer a tooth-colored, natural appearance, making them ideal for those concerned with the cosmetic outcome of their dental work. These fillings are light-cured and chemically bonded to the tooth, allowing for minimal tooth reduction and thus a more conservative restoration approach.
Nonetheless, the placement of composite resin fillings is more technique-sensitive and requires more time. They are cured in layers to mitigate shrinkage, although a common side effect of some shrinkage is temporary tooth sensitivity. While composite resin is more conservative in preserving tooth structure, it doesn’t typically last as long as amalgam, and the material comes with a higher price tag.
When it comes to insurance, the allowance for restoring posterior teeth with composite resin is often lower than for amalgam, and benefit percentages can vary unless a medical necessity justifies the choice.
Should You Replace Amalgam with Composite Resin?
If current amalgam fillings are functioning well and causing no symptoms, there’s generally little to gain from replacing them with composite resin. Doing so can introduce microfractures in the tooth, leading to sensitivity to temperature and pressure, although such symptoms often subside within weeks. However, persistent symptoms might lead to irreversible pulpitis, requiring a root canal and eventually a crown.
Making an Informed Decision
Understanding the risks and benefits associated with dental procedures is crucial for making an informed decision. Consulting with your dental office is essential to address questions and concerns, allowing you to partner with your dental professional to achieve optimal dental care. Whether you choose amalgam or composite resin, the decision should align with your priorities and dental health goals. By examining the characteristics of each filling material, you can make a choice that serves both your practical needs and aesthetic desires.
East Wind Dental Care
Dental Implant placement in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Beaverton Oregon
family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
