Unfortunately, dental decay and cavities are a fact of life for many people. Even those who practise a regular oral health regime can still find themselves needing a dental filling. For those who don’t practise good dental health, it is likely that more fillings will be required over the course of their life.
Tooth decay occurs when acids formed by sugars in food, together with bacteria found in dental plaque, attack the enamel of the tooth, eventually leading to a cavity or hole. The best way to help prevent it is to brush and floss your teeth after eating and have regular check-ups and dental cleaning with a Melbourne dentist.
Fillings have been used for decades to prevent further damage and save the tooth. The decayed part of the tooth is removed and then a filling made of a hard material is inserted into the cavity. Traditionally, the material used was amalgam, a silver-coloured alloy composed of several different metals. Amalgam fillings are strong and durable but are rather unsightly in the mouth and can stain the teeth over time. We have Melbourne dental patients who are choosing to have their old amalgam fillings removed and replaced with the new white fillings.
The most recent development in dental fillings is the use of composite resin fillings which can be coloured to exactly match the patient’s natural teeth. These white fillings are virtually invisible in the mouth because they look just like your own teeth. Another benefit is how well the resin bonds to the tooth surface, forming a protective seal and preventing further tooth decay.
The procedure for white fillings is similar to that of amalgam fillings. First the tooth is prepared and all traces of decay are removed. Then the composite resin is layered into the tooth cavity and set. When completely filled, the material is shaped and polished to a comfortable level.
To find out more about white dental filings and see if you could benefit from having them, call Era Health Dental Clinic Melbourne today and make an appointment. Our experienced dentists are waiting to help and advise you in Melbourne’s CBD.
