WHITE FILLINGS

Does White Orchid Dental use mercury fillings?

What are dental fillings made of?

Are white fillings better than silver fillings?

Why would I need a temporary filling?

White Orchid Dental is a mercury free office !

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a common treatment for dental decay.  Previously, most dental fillings were composed mainly of “metal”(amalgam-silver) that do not match the color of natural teeth.  Instead the fillings made the teeth appear dark or grey.  Although these fillings were successfully used for over a hundred years, they never were considered aesthetic. Silver fillings are not bonded to teeth. This weakens the remaining tooth that surrounds the filling. We frequently see this weakened tooth breaking. Often the silver filling wear which results in gaps between the tooth and filling.  This is a portal for bacteria to begin the decay process. 

Fortunately today, dental fillings can be made of porcelain or composite materials that match the color of your teeth.  This approach maintains the natural appearance of your teeth and smile.  These white fillings are bonded in place which then increases the strength of the tooth.

More About Composite (White) or Amalgam (Silver) Fillings?

Our office is dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care possible for our patients.  This includes filling cavities with white composite material whenever possible.

Placing white composite materials requires considerably more time, enhanced techniques and expensive materials.  None the less, the benefits greatly outweigh the increased time and costs.

The average silver filling is 50% mercury together with 30% silver and a bit of copper, tin, and zinc.  That’s why they call it an amalgam.  While we don’t believe it is toxic or harmful, it just doesn’t offer the benefits of a composite restoration.  We utilize composite fillings in place of amalgam fillings.  We do this for the following reasons:

A composite filling is stronger because it actually bonds to your tooth.  The composite bonds all the remaining walls of the tooth together.  Amalgams do not bond to tooth structure, there is a gap between the filling and the tooth which significantly decreases the strength of the tooth.  This gap can provide a pathway for bacteria and acid to get into and cause further decay.

Amalgam fillings expand and contract so much, they create a wedge in the tooth leading to a weakened tooth.  The tooth, over time will eventually break apart and the only thing remaining in your mouth will be the filling.

Silver fillings are ugly and we like to give people beautiful teeth.  The “enamel like” look of composite fillings create natural smiles and happy patients.

We will always offer our patients leading edge technology with a caring and professional attitude.  We will only recommend to you what is best for your dental health and what we provide for ourselves and our families. 

TEMPORARY FILLINGS

            A temporary dental filling is placed while the permanent filling is being made.  The temporary is made so it protects the tooth yet is easily removed.  It is normal for the gum around your tooth to be a little sore when the anesthesia wears off.  This will disappear in a couple of days.  Do your best to chew on the opposite side until your next appointment.  Chewing sticky foods can sometimes dislodge your temporary. 

It is not uncommon to have the following reactions or problems with the temporary:

It feels rough.  Please call us if it is making the tongue sensitive.

It came off.  This is probably the most common problem.  It is supposed to come off easily and some foods will help in this.  Stay away from sticky foods or gum.  It’s important for it to be there, so call us and we can replace it.

It feels high.  Give it one day, if it still feels high come in so we can adjust it.  You can bruise your tooth if it is high.

It’s not how I want the permanent to look.  Don’t worry, the permanent will look much better.

It is sensitive.  The temporary will not always fit as well as the permanent restoration, so there may be some sensitivity to hot and cold as well as chewing.  If it’s too uncomfortable, please call.

            The temporary is very important.  It protects the exposed tooth so it is not excessively sensitive, it prevents food from gathering in the preparation, and prevents the prepared tooth from shifting and moving, making seating of the permanent more difficult.  Use your toothbrush to clean the temporary as you normally do your other teeth.  You will not be able to floss around your temporary as you may dislodge it. 

            If you have any questions concerning the temporary, please feel free to call.  Remember, it will only be for two or three weeks and it will all be worth it when you get your permanent restoration!   

The professionals at White Orchid Dental welcome your questions. Please call 219-836-9122 to schedule your consultation with the smile care experts. Email: jeffmilne@sbcglobal.net with any questions or concerns along with your contact information and we will promptly respond.  We offer the opportunity to save time by printing the patient information forms online Patient Forms at White Orchid Dental  Please mail or fax these completed forms to us before your visit.