Composite Tooth Fillings Gainesville, FL

Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, offer several benefits over other types of dental filling materials, such as amalgam (silver) fillings or gold. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Composite fillings are made to closely match the color of your natural teeth, making them much less noticeable than amalgam or gold fillings. This makes composites an ideal choice for filling cavities in visible parts of the mouth.

2. Bonding to Tooth Structure: Composite material chemically bonds to tooth structure, providing additional support to the tooth. This bonding can help to insulate the tooth and reduce the risk of fracture or damage under the stresses of chewing.

3. Less Tooth Structure Removal: When preparing for a composite filling, less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with other fillings like amalgam. This is because composite fillings can be fitted into a smaller cavity once decay has been removed, preserving more of the natural tooth.

4. Versatility: Composite fillings are not only used for cavity fillings but can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.

5. Minimal Thermal Conductivity: Unlike metals, composite fillings do not conduct heat and cold as much. This reduces the sensitivity of the tooth to temperature changes in your mouth from hot and cold foods or drinks.

6. Mercury-Free: Unlike amalgam fillings, composites do not contain mercury. Some patients prefer to avoid amalgam fillings because of concerns about the potential health effects of mercury.

7. Improved Techniques and Longevity: Advances in composite material technology have significantly improved their durability and functionality over the years. Today’s composites can last as long as other filling materials, especially when placed in areas of the mouth with moderate bite pressure.