The fillings that Dr. Bindu Kolli places at Southfork Dental look like real teeth. Made from composite resin, our fillings can be precisely color-matched to blend in with the rest of the tooth. Plus, our patients in the Plano, Frisco, and Irving, Texas area have peace of mind that the materials used for cavity repair are non-toxic. Everything we do at our offices should enhance your smile and health, and not cause new challenges. Here are four terms to know about safe and natural-looking fillings.
1 – Composite resin
This material is made out of plastic and fine particles of glass, quartz, or ceramic. This material is very popular because it can be matched to the shade of your teeth. Dr. Kolli uses composite resin in other treatments, too, because it is so versatile. For instance, it is applied, shaped, and cemented to the front surfaces of chipped, deeply stained, and cosmetically “imperfect” teeth during the dental bonding process.
2 – Conservative
When Dr. Kolli talks about conservative treatments, she is simply referring to those options that keep as much of the natural tooth structure and tissue intact as possible. Composite resin fillings are more conservative than traditional cavity repair. They can be bonded directly to the tooth, which preserves as much natural, healthy structure as possible. Conventional treatments require drilling out more of the tooth and then placing and securing the filling in the prepared cavity that is left behind.
3 – Metal-free
Traditionally, cavities were filled with dental amalgam. This material is actually a combination of metals. They include mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Since composite resin is non-metallic, it may be an ideal material for patients with known metal allergies or sensitivities. Also, it does not contain mercury or other toxins. So, patients can be confident that their fillings are safe. The resin also wears well and does not corrode or darken over time like amalgam.
4 – BPA-free
Bisphenol A is a chemical byproduct of many resin-based dental materials, including fillings and sealants. Our tooth-colored, composite fillings do not contain BPA. Dr. Kolli has carefully chose all of the products, materials, and technologies for their safety and effectiveness. BPA is a known “endocrine disruptor,” which is just the medical way of saying that it can interfere with or “disrupt” estrogen and other hormones. The chemical can leak into saliva during the placement of BPA fillings. And, with normal daily use, BPA can be released as microscopic particles. Our alternative products and techniques minimize BPA exposure, which supports your healthiest smile and “self.”
Fillings can be a tissue-preserving option for patients with smaller cavities. So, if you are worried about new tooth sensitivity or other changes, contact us right away. We may be able to prevent a cavity or stop it from getting bigger with prompt and effective care. Schedule an appointment at Southfork Dental today – call (469) 535-6939 (Plano office) or (972) 544-5446 (Irving, TX office).
