Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused when patients’ consume food in high sugars on a regular basis.  As a result of excessive sugar intake, leads to a build-up of plaque and bacteria which then leads to tooth decay.  Inconsistent brushing and flossing can also contribute to the problem and make tooth decay significantly worse.

Tooth decay often starts off as minor and small but if nothing is done about it at your local dentist, it can escalate and the worst case scenario may be tooth extraction or gum disease.

Tooth Coloured vs Amalgam Fillings

Composite

Until recently, amalgam was the only material available to fill cavities.  Thankfully, the arrival of composite fillings provided a strong, safe and more natural-looking alternative.  Originally only used for front teeth because of their softer consistency, modern improvements to their composition make them now suitable for back teeth too.

Composite comes in a range of shades that can be matched closely to the colour of your teeth. Most people have fillings of one sort or another but today, because we are much more conscious of our smile, we can choose a natural looking alternative  White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than silver fillings but there are now modern materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful.

Tooth-coloured fillings are much better suited and used for small to mid-sized fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing.  Moreover, they can be used for either the front or back teeth.  If you are a patient that cares about the aesthetics of your teeth, tooth coloured fillings are the perfect option as they are a popular choice for a more natural look.

Amalgam

Dental amalgam is the traditional silver-coloured filling we are all familiar with that is made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper.  Research into the safety of dental amalgam has been carried out for over 180 years and to date, no reliable controlled studies have found an association between amalgam fillings and any medical problem.  Whilst composite (tooth coloured) fillings are becoming more popular, amalgam fillings are still durable and long-lasting restorations.

Dental Amalgam Fillings are highly durable, long-lasting and are still one of the best fillings available to this day.  They are particularly beneficial for patients that have high risk of tooth decay and they are also really cost-effective, in comparison to alternate fillings.

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