Each tooth has its own unique function to perform and therefore needs its own level of care. For example, the pressure of chewing typically is handled by your molars and premolars, which requires them to have a lot of durabilities. If these back teeth develop a cavity, they typically need to receive an amalgam dental filling to offer a lot of strength and provide necessary support for these teeth. While metal fillings can be very durable, they are not easy to conceal in your smile.
If you have a cavity that would be easy to see in your smile, our dentist may suggest that you receive a composite dental filling.
A mixture of powdered glass and acrylic resin make up these tooth-colored dental fillings, and our dentist shades these restorations to the natural color of your teeth. Composite fillings are placed on a layer at a time so that each layer can be individually cured before the next one is placed. For this reason, Dr. Alex Abernathy often recommends that these dental fillings be applied only to smaller cavities in areas of the teeth that other people could see but are spared the pressure of biting and chewing.
Once the filling is in place, we can polish the material to help it blend with the tooth and become less likely to stain. However, the filling can still develop stains when frequently exposed to dark-colored foods or drinks. You may need to have the filling polished again to remove the stain and restore the original color. To keep your filling in good shape, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily and visit the dentist twice a year for dental checkups.
If you would like to learn more about composite dental fillings in Jackson, Mississippi, and speak with our dentist about cavities, contact Lakeland Dental Care at 601-981-8166 today!