Composite Fillings
Grand Junction, CO
 Everyone has bacteria in their mouth. They feed on what you eat and drink, turning sugar into acid that hides in plaque. If you fail to take care of your teeth, the acid in the plaque will start eating away your tooth, leading to the formation of cavities.
Since tooth cavities are hard to spot in the early stages, it can be easy for them to grow into serious conditions, such as tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, and the eventual loss of teeth. The trick is to constantly pay us a visit and embrace great dental hygiene if you want to save your teeth early. At Gregory J. Gorman, DMD, we can identify common dental issues and address them before they can grow into a menace. Among the best ways to deal with dental cavities is to get dental fillings.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are artificial replacements for decayed sections of teeth. We will drill out the decayed part of your tooth before placing silver, gold, or composite resin in its place. Each tooth filling option has its own pros and cons and picking the ideal option for you will depend on your aesthetic preferences and budget. These materials will vary in strength and color.
The Different Types of Dental Fillings
Amalgams are among the most common types of dental fillings and are quite affordable in comparison to the other options. They are also quite strong, which makes them ideal for placement at the back of your jaw, where most of the chewing happens. The only downside is that they are easy to notice since they are made from a combination of metallic elements.
The next type of filling is composite filling. Made from either glass or quartz, composite fillings can be created to match the color and structure of your teeth. While they are durable, they are ideal for use in jawbone areas that do moderate chewing.
Next are metal fillings, which are mostly made using silver or gold. Although gold can cost more than silver amalgams, some people will prefer it for aesthetic purposes. Metallic fillings are generally more durable than their composite counterparts.
On the other hand, ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. While they are less likely to get stained than composite fillings, they can cost as much as gold cavity fillings. Last is the glass ionomer filling. They are created by blending acrylic and glass and can release fluoride to protect teeth. However, glass ionomers tend to be less expensive and might need replacement every few years.
When to Replace Your Dental Fillings
Maintaining your dental fillings is as easy as following your typical dental care routine; brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once per day. However, you might experience some sensitivity and discomfort in the initial days, making the use of products that cater to these sensitivities essential.
Dental fillings are prone to wear and tear. Replacing a filling that is cracked or worn out is essential. Otherwise, you risk damaging the rest of your remaining natural tooth. Be sure to pay us a visit as soon as you notice any wear and tear in your fillings.
Dental Fillings Are Meant to Protect Your Teeth
Leaving your teeth unprotected can be a precursor for other health complications, from tooth decay to cardiovascular disease. The key is to pick the right filling for your situation. Visit the Gregory J. Gorman, DMD offices today or call us at (970) 812-3959 for a consultation or to schedule to get a tooth filling.
|
Hours
(970) 812-3959 
Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD