Cavities are a very common dental problem that nearly everyone has had to deal with at some point in their lives. Cavities are exactly what they sound like they are: holes that appear in teeth due to decay. These can cause serious problems unless they can be filled by a dentist. Bacteria can gain access to the interior structure of a tooth through a cavity and cause further damage which can become severe and virtually irreparable over time. Fortunately, there are relatively simple methods that a dentist can use to fill cavities in teeth.
Most dental professionals opt to use fillings to fill cavities in teeth. A filling is a tiny object that fits into a cavity and restores a damaged tooth to its original state. A filling can be made from any number of materials, but most of the time fillings are either white or silver. Few people realize that there are differences between silver and white fillings, and in many ways there aren’t many all that many differences beyond simple aesthetics. There are some differences however, and a skilled and knowledgeable dentist such as those that can be found at Sunrise Family Dentistry in Roseville, California can explain some of these differences to you and help you decide what kinds of fillings would be best for you.
Silver fillings are generally less expensive and more common than white fillings. These fillings are also known as amalgam fillings, and their high metal content makes them idea for withstanding stronger bite forces. These fillings are generally used for back teeth for this very reason. They can sometimes be more noticeable because of their metallic appearance, so many people do not think of them as a very good aesthetic choice. They are also more rigid and require retention grooves to be made in the tooth before placement, which means more of the tooth must be removed. This weakens the tooth and generally makes for a more complex and unpleasant procedure.
White fillings are made from an acrylic and glass composite, which is why they are often referred to as composite fillings. They are more natural looking, making them popular for aesthetic reasons alone. They also harden quickly and bond directly to teeth, meaning that patients who opt for these fillings do not have to worry so much about damaging them or their teeth shortly after placement. The one major downside of white fillings is that they tend to be more expensive, and they are often not covered by insurance plans.
If you live in or around Roseville, California and are in need of a dentist, remember to check out Sunrise Family Dentistry. The qualified staff of Sunrise Family Dentistry can install both these types of fillings as well as perform other important services and procedures. If you believe that you have a cavity or an otherwise damaged tooth, stop in and ask them what type of filling would work best for you.
Call or visit Sunrise Family Dentistry in Roseville today. Our office is located at 901 Sunrise Ave. Ste A1 and our telephone number is 916-520-1717. You may also visit our website at www.sunrisefamilydentists.com.
