Which sort of filling is best and safest for my kid when they have a cavity? is question Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN often get from parents. Both forms of fillings will be thoroughly explored in this essay.
What do white and silver fillings do?
When Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN discovers a cavity that has to be filled, he or she will often discuss your alternatives with you. Silver and white fillings are the most prevalent. An alloy of liquid metals, typically silver, tin, and copper, is used to create silver fillings. White fillings are created from a mixture of ceramic and plastic. Both filling kinds have been utilized for many years and are a secure and reliable method of repairing teeth harmed by cavities.
White fillings vs. silver fillings: a comparison
These filling options are appropriate for most cavities since they are comparable in many aspects. There are a few variations, such as the following:
- Strength: White and silver fillings are designed to endure chewing, biting, and everyday wear-and-tear; however, silver fillings are often considered stronger.
- Location: White fillings are best for cavities in visible places since they are created to match the color of your teeth. Silver fillings are perfect for fillings on rear teeth since they are a little bit stronger.
- Cost: Compared to white fillings, silver cavities are more prevalent, simpler to install, and typically less expensive. However, both filling systems may be used inexpensively and safely.
In what way do dentists fill cavities?
Although it’s understandable if you’re anxious about having a filling, remember that this is one of the most frequent dental operations. Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN apply white and silver fillings in very similar methods. Let’s examine this procedure in more detail:
- Numbing your tooth and gums: Numbing happens first, regardless of whether white or silver filling material is utilized. The Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN will normally numb the tooth and the gums nearby before filling the cavity. The dentist will provide one or more doses of an anesthetic substance to numb the mouth after it is sufficiently numbed. Most dentists will wait a little while before starting treatment to ensure the patient’s mouth is completely numb.
- Filling the tooth: After the mouth has been made completely numb, the Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN will use a metal instrument to gently remove any dark patches or decayed areas from the tooth. The dentist delicately paints the silver or white filling material into the tooth hole using a little paintbrush. The dentist may use brushes to shape the composite materials to the tooth to conceal any broken or jagged edges, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
Reasons pediatric dentists prefer white fillings over silver fillings
- You have a cavity in your smile zone
White fillings, often composite fillings, are becoming increasingly common among patients and dentists. Their capacity to mimic real teeth is the key factor contributing to their increase in popularity. This skill is useful if you have a cavity in the smile zone, the region between the canines and the central incisors. A dentist may choose the right shade of white to match the color of your teeth before using the tooth-colored resin to fill a cavity. A white filling will allow your child to smile without feeling self-conscious if a cavity forms between the two central incisors.
- Children dislike dental drills
Most children are terrified of dental drills. Dentists must use a dental drill to prepare the tooth to place a typical silver filling when repairing a cavity. This not only eliminates tooth decay but also makes room for the silver filling to fit more easily.
Contrarily, because white fillings are bonded to the natural structure of your teeth, just a little amount of drilling is necessary to remove the decay before the filling’s insertion.
- To protect the integrity of your natural teeth
Amalgam fillings must be put on the treated tooth after a little additional drilling. This is because silver fillings do not adhere to the dentin and enamel of natural tooth structure, unlike white fillings. The silver filling must thus fit into grooves or slots that dentists make.
Unfortunately, this necessitates a portion of the natural tooth being removed. This criterion does not apply to white fillings, allowing you to keep more of your original tooth structure. However, remember that white fillings are preferable for tiny to mid-sized cavities, particularly when it comes to your molars. This is because silver fillings are more resistant to breaking than white fillings and can withstand higher chewing pressure.
- Everyone desires a filling that is simple to replace
White filling replacement is less difficult than silver filling replacement, albeit it does take longer since dentists must properly dry the region before applying the composite material. For instance, a dentist must completely remove a silver filling before cleaning the region and installing a replacement. This requires once again removing a portion of the original tooth structure. White fillings, however, just need the damaged area to be removed by the dentist before composite resin is used to replace the space.
- You want to get your teeth whitened
If one wants the whitest smile possible and plans to whiten their teeth, they should first whiten their teeth and then have any silver fillings they may have replaced with white fillings. Doing this allows a dentist to match a composite resin hue to a patient’s freshly whitened teeth. A whiter, more genuine grin will result from this.
Do white fillings tan with time?
The white composite filling might become yellow depending on what you consume daily. The discoloration often affects the top and is simple to erase. The secret is maintaining good oral hygiene and going to the Children Dentist Indianapolis IN often.
Alternatives to white and silver amalgam fillings
In addition to silver and white fillings, gold fillings are another secure and reliable alternative for repairing a tooth compromised by a cavity. Additionally, there are other substitutes for fillings in general. If the cavity severely damages your tooth, it may not be able to sustain a filling. In these circumstances, tooth extraction and implant may be necessary to replace the missing tooth.
Implants and extractions
Dentists can repair smaller cavities using fillings, while bigger cavities could need more treatment. Larger cavities have the potential to consume huge portions of the tooth, making the filling unstable. The tooth may need to be extracted if the Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN decides it has too much decay to withstand a filling. The dentist will shatter and remove the old tooth after numbing it. The dentist may fit for a new implant when the mouth has had time to recover.
The best dental filling, despite significant advancements, is none at all. You may prevent cavities and tooth decay by supporting a low-sugar diet, teaching your kids good brushing techniques, and periodically taking them in for dental exams.
