Think Replacing Your Silver Fillings with Composites is a Waste of Time? It's Not!

By Arthur Kezian

Millions of people have traditional silver fillings in their mouths.  While they may not like the look of them, most of those people don't see a reason to head to a dentist to replace their fillings.

But here are 4 reasons why replacing silver fillings with composites ISN'T a waste of time:

1.      You can wind up with a brighter smile

If you're like most people with silver fillings, your filled teeth look dark and dingy - leaving you with a smile that could definitely be brighter and whiter. 

Luckily, composite fillings are white, so they're practically invisible once they're inside your mouth.  As an added benefit, a good dentist can blend the resin so that it's a perfect match to your teeth - meaning that no one will know you've got fillings, no matter how many cavities you've suffered!

2.      You can get the mercury out of your mouth

When replacing silver fillings, you remove the mercury threat that's lurking in your mouth.  That's right; those traditional silver filings have mercury in them!  Sure, it's a small amount, but the Food and Drug Administration calls it a "moderate risk".

Composite fillings are made out of resin, so they're a much safer alternative.  You won't have to worry about the FDA assessing their risk anytime soon!

3.      You won't have to worry about them breaking

How many times have you wound up back in your dentist's chair, thanks to a filling that broke, cracked, or chipped?  And, if the damage was bad enough, your dentist had to grind down your tooth and put a crown over it. Talk about uncomfortable!

There's another big problem that comes from broken silver fillings - tooth decay.  Even if your filling only cracks, it makes it easy for bacteria to get inside your tooth.  Plus, the silver fillings themselves can leak - which will rot your teeth!

When changing silver fillings with composites, you get to take advantage of strong resin - which is stronger material, with a stronger bond.

4.       You can eat without being in pain

For some reason, those old silver fillings lead to more tooth sensitivity.  As a result, you might shy away from that cold glass of iced tea or that bowl of ice cream.

But when you replace your silver fillings with composites, your tooth sensitivity woes will likely go away.  That way, you'll be free to eat whatever you want, without tooth pain getting in the way!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Enhance Your Smile with White Fillings

By Arthur Kezian

When you think of fillings, you think a mouth full of metal, silver amalgam fillings and gold restorations. This is the thing of the past. Thanks to much advanced equipment, techniques and resources in the dental industry, aesthetic has been a basic factor when it comes to having tooth restorations. Now, you don’t have to worry about having gray silver fillings seen whenever smile or laugh to your heart’s delight.

The following are types of cosmetic fillings currently available. Each will depend on the tooth structure and location of your tooth which needs to be repaired.

The Direct Composite

This is a type of filling which is offered by your dentist nowadays. Composites are made of composite quartz resin and activated by a light source which is called a Light Cure machine. This is the most common restorative procedure a dentist performs in his office. A tooth colored composite or white filling material are used to fill the cavities, repair broken old fillings with cracks, close gaps in between teeth and build up worn down teeth. This type of filling material is more natural looking and requires more precise placement of the filling material.

Usually, this treatment is done in one visit. Your dentist will use a bonding material for white fillings to adhere unto the tooth. First, the tooth needs to be conditioned and etched. Then bonded by a bonding agent, then finally the placement of the composite material is done and activate by intense light for a specific time period which is about 40 seconds.

Proper finishing and polishing is done after curing the composite material. Then you will be asked to bite unto a piece of paper to check the height of the tooth or if there are any unwanted contacts present on the filled tooth. Proper instructions and post operative care will be given to you by your dentist. If sensitivity is felt after treatment up to a week’s time, it is normal. But if it doesn’t disappear afterwards, let your dentist know right away.

The Indirect Composite or Porcelain Inlay/On lay

This is another type of filling. This material is placed on the back of your teeth and it is called an indirect filling because it is fabricated in the laboratory, then bonded and cemented directly on the surface of the damaged tooth. This procedure usually takes two visits. The benefits of these types of material is that preserves and strengthens the tooth structure, has a much more natural looking appearance, lasts longer than the amalgam fillings and prevents the need for extensive treatment on a later time. Indirect Inlays and On lays are highly strong and durable and has better aesthetic quality. This is usually suggested for large cases of tooth decay.  Inlays and On lays are more of a conservative approach when it comes to having a tooth filled but is much more expensive compared to a composite filling.

Ask your dentist regarding white fillings, and rest assured that you will receive professional, gentle care in a relaxed environment throughout the course of your treatment.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.