Or do they? This is a question many patients have. When you are given the news that you have a cavity, your next question is likely to involve how best to repair and restore your tooth. Cavities are bacterial infections, so it is a given that they will need to be professionally cleaned and filled with some sort of biocompatible material. Otherwise, the germs that cause tooth decay spread and create more cavities and extended tooth damage, potentially putting your nerves and roots in harm’s way. So, as you consider whether or not to opt for a tooth-colored filling, you may find yourself wondering if composite resin material holds up to metal in terms of strengthening a weakened tooth.
Composite Resin Fillings
In the past, amalgam or gold fillings were the standard for dental restorations when a cavity was filled. The same could be said for other restorations – crowns, inlays and onlays. These days, dental work is readily available in the natural color of your tooth enamel. Tooth-colored plastic makes up the composite fillings that are available from Dr. Engelberg. This material is dyed to exactly match the color of your existing teeth, so they blend in with the rest of your smile. So, if aesthetics are your primary concern, tooth colored fillings do technically offer better protection for your teeth than metal. For more protection, though, you may consider ceramic crowns.
Ceramic Restorations
Occasionally, a cavity is bad enough that it requires a more stable restoration than a filling. Inlays and onlays fall between a filling and a crown in terms of strength. These restorations cover the entire exposed structure of the tooth, fitting between the cusps of a tooth (inlays) or over one or more cusps and down a tooth’s side (onlays). Dental crowns cover the entire exposed portion of your tooth. Ceramic inlays, onlays, and crowns are fabricated from durable porcelain that also looks like natural tooth enamel. White tooth restorations are metal free, making them biocompatible, and a great solution for any allergy issues or mercury concerns.
ABOUT YOUR ARLINGTON HEIGHTS DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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