Cavity Repair with Metal-Free Composite Fillings: Enhancing Your Smile and Well-Being
Composite fillings offer a visually appealing solution that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing the beauty of your smile. Beyond their aesthetic benefits, these fillings align perfectly with the holistic principles of biologic dentistry practiced at Owens Dental Berthoud. By choosing composite materials, you’re not only opting for a natural look but also supporting your overall health through biocompatible options that complement our range of services.
What is “composite”?
“Composite” refers to the resin material used for fillings in our Berthoud, Colorado, office. This quartz-like substance can be precisely color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring your smile remains discreet and attractive.
Composite fillings are highly compatible with your body’s tissues, making them a safe option for individuals concerned about material sensitivities. Being metal-free, they provide peace of mind as they are biocompatible. Furthermore, composite fillings can be applied conservatively, requiring minimal alteration of your natural tooth structure, which enhances their durability and preserves tissue integrity.
Do you place metal fillings?
We do not place metal(amalgam) fillings as they are known to contain toxins such as mercury and can have adverse effects when placed and left in the mouth for extended periods. Through extensive training and advanced equipment, we can also remove amalgam fillings in a manner that is safe for you as the patient and our dental team. We are not only “mercury-free,” but we are also “mercury-safe.”
As a biologic dental practice, we strive to find the least toxic option to meet your dental needs. A popular choice is composite material, which matches the shade of your tooth structure and creates a seamless and safe repair.Â
What is the difference?
Mercury-free practices do not place amalgam or silver metal fillings. Mercury-safe practices have established special precautions and processes to remove and replace these fillings to minimize the risk of mercury exposure. During the process of removing metal fillings, mercury may be released as a vapor or tiny particles. We reduce these threats by adding several important safeguards such as in-room air filtration systems, protective barriers for both the patient and providers, free-flowing oxygen for the patient, charcoal pills, and specialized equipment to remove aerosolized particles during the procedure. As both a mercury-free and mercury-safe dentist, you get the best of both worlds. Any new fillings support a beautiful smile and your utmost oral and overall health, while old fillings will be removed safely, giving you peace of mind.
Do I really need a filling?
Maybe! The easiest way to find out which treatment is best for you is to come in and have Dr. Tim Owens determine that following an exam at our office. Fillings are generally appropriate for smaller cavities or areas of decay. Other restorations (like crowns) may be more suitable for bigger cavities or more extensive decay.
How do you place a filling?
Our fillings can be placed quickly and easily in one appointment. After numbing the tooth to ensure your comfort, any decay is removed. The area is cleaned. Then, the composite is applied in layers to the tooth. As each layer is added, it is hardened or “cured” with a special light. The tooth is also shaped and polished to maintain optimal appearance and function. Since these fillings are bonded or secured directly to the teeth, structural integrity is restored without requiring extensive drilling or reduction of the natural tooth structure.
If you are due for a dental check-up or are concerned about changes in how a tooth looks or feels, don’t hesitate to contact Owens Dental Berthoud. One of the country’s leading biologic dental practices is right in your backyard, and you can reach us at (970) 444-5464.
