Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures performed by dentists. Although most of us automatically think of young people getting cavities, the truth is that we can form dental decay at any age, and most of the time fillings are an excellent way to repair a tooth damaged by a cavity. For many years, dentists used silver amalgam as their primary filling material. And while there’s no doubt that amalgam was a good solution in previous years, dental technology now provides another option for dentists and their patients: tooth-colored composite fillings. Dr. Jovanovic is pleased to offer these tooth-colored fillings to her patients from throughout The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, Texas area.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are a lot of reasons why amalgam fillings were (and still are) used so often by dentists. This strong material often lasts for many years. But there are some disadvantages. The first and most obvious is the appearance – your filled tooth is silver in color at first, and as the years pass the amalgam darkens into an almost black color. And although silver amalgam has never been proven to be hazardous to a patient’s health, it does contain a small amount of mercury – a fact that has been a concern for many dental patients. Fortunately, tooth-colored fillings have none of these disadvantages.
The composite material used for tooth-colored fillings is exactly what the name implies – tooth-colored. In fact, it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference between a healthy tooth and one that has been filled with this composite material. But there are other advantages as well. Similar to silver amalgam, the composite used in tooth-colored fillings is extremely durable and typically lasts for many years. Another benefit is what the composite material does NOT contain – mercury! It’s no wonder so many patients are choosing tooth-colored fillings.
The Filling Procedure
Most of us are already familiar with the procedure involved in getting a new filling. And while the material used in fillings may be different, the procedure is pretty much the same – at least from the patient’s point of view. It begins when Dr. Jovanovic removes all existing decay and (if necessary) old filling material. The next step involves thoroughly cleaning the tooth, then filling it with modern composite material. The end result is a tooth that is not only repaired, but looks exactly like other healthy teeth!
Contact Our Office Today
If you think you may need a filling, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jovanovic. We serve patients from throughout The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, Texas area.
