Composite Fillings

Composite fillings don’t require as much of the tooth to be removed.

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What kinds of fillings can I get?

Cavities affect men, women, and children of all ages. According to the CDC, 25% of adults between ages 20 and 64 have at least one cavity and more than 50% of children between 6 and 8 have a cavity in their baby teeth. While cavity prevention is our goal, it isn’t always possible. In the early stages of decay, cavities can be reversed. However, if the cavity isn’t diagnosed or treated, it will require more extensive treatments.

Fillings are one of the most common treatments for cavities. At California Dental Innovations in San Francisco, CA, Dr. Mina Levi offers composite (or tooth-colored) fillings for patients of all ages with cavities.

5 benefits of composite fillings

Composite resin fillings have become more and more popular over the past decade. One major advantage is that composite resin matches the color of natural teeth, but that isn’t all they have to offer.

1. Less Drilling

To place a metal (amalgam) filling, the dentist must use a drill to remove a portion of the patient’s dental enamel as well as the decayed parts of the tooth. This process can be uncomfortable and cause dental anxiety. It also weakens the overall tooth structure, making it more susceptible to breakage.

Composite fillings don’t require as much of the tooth to be removed, so the natural tooth is stronger than it would be with a metal filling. Additionally, patients are much more comfortable throughout treatment.

2. Hardens Quickly

Once the filling is placed on the tooth, Dr. Levi will use a special light to harden the filling. It typically takes the filling less than a minute to be completely cured and hardened.

3. Lower risk of dental sensitivity

Patients with amalgam fillings often complain about tooth sensitivity. The mercury and metal alloys used in amalgam fillings are very conductive, making them sensitive to hot and cold substances.

Resin insulates hot and cold temperatures so patients are much less likely to experience sensitivity. However, sensitivity is normal immediately after the filling is placed.

4. Easily Repaired

Teething grinding, excessive chewing, and other types of trauma may cause your composite filling to chip or crack. Thankfully, tooth-colored fillings are easy to repair. Dr. Levi will simply clean the area around the filling and repair it.

Metal fillings cannot be easily repaired. They must be removed, then replaced.

5. Metal-free

Amalgam fillings are made partly of silver, tin, copper, and zinc, and 50 percent mercury. Unfortunately, mercury is a highly toxic chemical and no amount of mercury is safe for humans. Every time a person with a metal filling chews, mercury is released into the body. The effects of mercury exposure include:

To avoid these scary side-effects, Dr. Levi can remove metal fillings and replace them with composite fillings.

Tooth-colored Fillings In San Francisco, Ca

Do you have a cavity or a metal filling? Dr. Levi can address both issues with safe and effective treatments. Call our friendly dental team today at (415) 513-5066 or contact us online today to schedule your appointment.

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Composite Fillings

What kinds of fillings can I get?

5 benefits of composite fillings

Tooth-colored Fillings In San Francisco, Ca

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