Discover the benefits of white dental fillings in Thibodaux, Louisiana

We all want bright, healthy smiles with white, cavity-free teeth. Unfortunately, even with the best intentions, decay, damage, and trauma happen. They are part of life. Genetics, poor hygiene, and even certain medications can increase your susceptibility to decay. Don’t ruin your smile or the health of your teeth with a silver filling. Ask Dr. Jared Palmer of Acadia Family Dentistry in Thibodaux, Louisiana, about the benefits of dental white fillings.

Purpose of a tooth filling treatment

Both children and adults are susceptible to tooth decay. Many patients experience it at some point in their lives. The damage may start as a small cavity in a tooth, but it must be treated before the problem spreads into a more severe dental issue such as tooth pain, infection, or tooth loss. Dental fillings treat and restore teeth that have decayed or that have cavities. The placement of a dental cavity restores and strengthens the damaged tooth.

When a cavity is detected, the dentist assesses the problem to determine the appropriate material and solution. Before placing a filling, the dentist first removes the decayed section of the tooth. The area is cleansed and then filled with a putty-like material. The filling closes off the tooth. This prevents bacteria from entering and causing further decay. A special light hardens the filling. The dentist then files and shapes the filling to make sure there are no rough spots.

Benefits of white dental fillings

Fillings may be dental amalgam, composite, or gold. At Acadia Family Dentistry, we utilize white dental fillings. Also known as tooth-colored or composite fillings, white fillings are made up of a mixture of glass and plastic. Tooth-colored fillings restore decayed or fractured teeth. Since white fillings closely resemble the natural tooth enamel and consist of safe materials, the material is commonly used to repair decayed teeth.

The benefits of composite fillings include:

• No metal – The danger of mercury found in amalgam or silver fillings is well known. Silver-colored fillings are toxic and are a danger to your overall health. The metal in amalgam fillings can warp in extreme temperatures and damage the tooth. Tooth-colored fillings are metal-free, are non-reactive, and do not conduct heat or cold.
• Natural appearance – Aesthetically speaking, tooth-colored fillings mimic natural enamel and keep your smile beautiful. Cavities or fillings are not easy to spot since any fillings you may have are white instead of silver.
• Longevity and durability – Composite fillings bond naturally to the tooth to create a strong durable dental surface. The new filling helps prevent the tooth from breaking and provides insulation against temperature changes. The material is durable, so the eating surface is not affected.
• Less damage to the tooth – Since the composite material bonds easily to the tooth, less of the natural tooth is removed or resurfaced for the filling placement. The composite material is also safe and biocompatible with the body.

Acadia Family Dentistry offers comprehensive preventive and restorative dentistry services. If you experience tooth decay, ask about white dental fillings in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Contact Acadia Family Dentistry at (985) 303-2920.