How can we help you?
Dr. Olvera is a strong proponent of ongoing education – for both patients and providers. With better education comes a better understanding of how all the pieces of ongoing dental care and treatments come together to create total dental health. This allows you, the patient, to make better, more informed decisions about your own healthcare.
As part of our goal in increasing the knowledge and understanding of each of our patients, we have selected a number of common questions we are often asked about general dental health and the services that we provide. We hope that you will take a moment to read through them.
We also believe in caring for each of our patients on an individual basis. We want to get to know you and understand your individual needs and what we can do to help you meet your dental and healthcare goals.
Please let us know if your question isn’t answered here or if you have further questions. We are always happy to discuss your dental care with you, and we want to make sure that all your questions are always answered. Give us a call or fill out our convenient online form.
Thank you for choosing Dental Dimensions!
Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Public Health have conducted multiple studies and determined the mercury found in amalgam fillings is not chemically active. No adverse health effects have ever been linked to amalgam dental fillings.
In spite of the research available, many patients prefer composite, tooth-colored fillings either because they have metal allergies, want to avoid the appearance of dark fillings, or simply based on the presence of mercury. We respect the wishes of our patients and often talk to patients who want to replace their silver amalgam fillings with esthetic tooth-colored options.
An Alternative To Metal Fillings
If your fillings are breaking down, opting to replace them with composite makes perfect sense. It is important to remember that removing a large amalgam fillings may require restoration with a dental crown rather than a filling depending on how much tooth structure remains. Dr. Olvera will offer all of your options and the benefits of each so you can make the decision that works best for you.
Replacing metal fillings for cosmetic reasons may be part of a comprehensive smile makeover and can brighten the overall appearance of your teeth.
If you have questions about the metal components in your dentistry, give us a call! We will be happy to discuss your concerns with you.
Durable, tooth-colored composite fillings eliminate the need for visible metal components of dentistry. Composite fillings have four primary benefits that our patients appreciate:
1. Composite fillings blend into the natural tooth structure to become invisible.
Composite comes in a variety of tooth-colored options to complement the appearance of teeth. Because composite does not whiten in the same way as natural teeth, if you plan to whiten your teeth, doing so before fillings are placed will help ensure a good match.
2. Your tooth can be prepared more conservatively for a composite filling compared to an amalgam (silver) filling.
Silver amalgam fillings require the removal of more tooth structure to anchor to the tooth. Composite material bonds directly to the tooth structure, requiring only the removal of diseased or damaged portions of the tooth.
3. Most patients have less sensitivity following the filling procedure with composite fillings because composite fillings are not good conductors like their metal counterparts.
Tooth-colored fillings are also less susceptible to expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
4. Composite provides a solution for small cosmetic problems such as filling small chips or reshaping teeth.
Composite bonding is an affordable and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of teeth without complex procedures or multiple appointments.
Reach Out To Your Dentist
If you've got questions about fillings, don't hesitate to call your dentist. They will be happy to setup a consultation with you, and answer any questions that you may have regarding your dental health. For more information on fillings, and other dental procedures, call our St. Petersburg, FL dental office today!