Do you think you have a cavity and need a dental filling in Glenside? Look no further than Signature Smiles Dental. We strive to make your dental filling or tooth restoration as quick and painless as possible. We all know tooth decay and cavities can be painful but it can also lead to worse infections if not treated properly. The good news is that tooth decay is also the most preventable disease in the world today.
At Signature Smiles Dental we use the latest technology to diagnose, treat and prevent tooth decay. We also strive to educate our patients on proper dental hygiene so that they can help themselves in preventing decay.
What You Should Know About Dental Fillings
The dental industry has evolved and we rarely recommend silver/amalgam as the filler in tooth decay. One reason for this is amalgam fillings contain trace amounts of mercury. While the ADA has done extensive research and has deemed amalgam restorations safe and the levels of mercury found to not be harmful to patients, we understand this concern from patients. For patients wanting mercury-free dental fillings, we typically recommend resin or porcelain.
Silver and metal fillings can also expand and contract over time as you expose them to hot and cold temperatures. This can lead to exposed pockets around the filling and the tooth. Food and sugar can then get trapped in these little pockets causing further tooth decay. Tooth-colored restorations composed of resins and/or porcelain are a better alternative to metal fillings. These types of materials act as an aesthetic filler (who wants a bunch of metal in their mouth) and can actually help strengthen the tooth. If you would like to replace your amalgam fillings for aesthetic reasons, please contact our office.