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Small problems with teeth may initially be just a minor inconvenience, left unattended however; the problems may become bigger issues later on. If left neglected, simple remedies could turn out to be more involved, expensive or serious such as root canal treatments or even tooth extraction. If your teeth are compromised because of decay, breakage, cracks, chips or frequent pain there could be solutions that are non-invasive, cost-efficient and beneficial where the treatment leaves the tooth stronger and healthier. A consultation with Dr. Rogers will allow you to make the best decision in order to maintain proper oral health.
Dental fillings which can be made of gold, amalgam, porcelain or a composite resin (white filling material) are used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth which may be damaged by decay. Fillings are one of the most routine procedures performed by dentists today. Compared to years ago there are more choices available today for fillings.
Amalgam fillings are the traditional type of filling and are usually dark grey to black in colour. They are comprised of a number of different types of metal which can include tin, silver, copper and mercury. Amalgams are not necessarily the best choice for a filling that is easily visible as they are not aesthetically pleasing in colour. They do however have some advantages in that they are durable and able to withstand the rigors of chewing or grinding without breaking down or coming loose. Amalgams are also less costly than gold or white fillings.
White fillings or dental composite bonding are an excellent choice for cosmetic appearance as they can match the shade, texture and translucency of your own natural teeth. Some patients have replaced old metal filings for white fillings for aesthetic reasons.
Gold fillings remain a popular yet ever-increasing expensive choice. Gold fillings can last from 15-30 years because of the metals' durable characteristics. Gold fillings don’t cause any damage to the surrounding teeth once fitted and gold seems to cause less complications to the mouth when compared to other types of metal. Gold fillings are also considered to be somewhat of a status symbol to some individuals.