Dental fillings have restored teeth for generations, but in the past, their dark metallic look detracted from even the best of smiles. Nowadays, your four cosmetic dentists at Mt. Lookout Dentistry in Cincinnati use a variety of tooth-colored materials which not only eliminate decay, they strengthen enamel beautifully.
How teeth decay
Oral bacteria, and the acids they give off, cause cavities. These Strep micro-organisms multiply in plaque and tartar which collect on and between teeth. While preventive dental services provided by your cosmetic dentist at Mt. Lookout Dentistry in Cincinnati help ward off decay, it still happens sometimes. Hence, the need for fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
Available filling materials
Today, dentists have a range of filling materials from which to choose. Most likely, if you develop a cavity, your dentist at Mt. Lookout Dentistry will choose a tooth-colored material, to repair and strengthen your tooth. Here are some of examples:
- Glass ionomer A blend of glass particles and sustained-release fluoride, this innovative material works well on non-load bearing portions of teeth such as the cheek- or tongue- side surfaces. It works well on exposed tooth roots, too, which have little to no enamel and are very prone to decay.
- Porcelain Custom-made according to digital impressions, this high-grade ceramic restores decay on the chewing surfaces of larger teeth, such as molars. The filling is bonded between or over the cusps, or corners, of these teeth. As such, the fillings are called inlays, onlays, or partial crowns.
- Composite resin As the name implies, this filling material is composed of acrylic and ceramic filler particles. Resilient and natural-looking, composite resin is bonded directly to the prepared tooth.
Benefits of tooth-colored fillings
Tooth-colored fillings offer structural and cosmetic benefits such as:
- Realistic appearance (the chosen material blends in with the color and texture of your natural tooth structure)
- Preservation of tooth enamel (these materials are bonded right to the tooth enamel and require less drilling and reshaping)
- Greater flexibility than amalgam and ability to withstand pressure from biting and chewing because of a 50% increase in strength when composite is used.
Contact Mt. Lookout Dentistry
Our professional staff will inform you of the best restorations for your particular needs. Rest assured, your cosmetic dentist will restore the full health and appearance of your tooth. For a consultation, please call Mt. Lookout Dentistry in Cincinnati, OH, at (513) 871-2852 or visit www.mtlookoutdentistry.com.