Tooth-colored fillings (also called dental composites) repair small cavities and blend in naturally, so you often can’t tell there’s been any dental work. Santa Rosa restorative dentist Dr. Michael Rice uses clinically tested, biocompatible white tooth fillings to repair cavities and cracks and responsibly replace old or failing mercury-based metal dental fillings. Tooth-colored fillings make sure your cavities stay between you and your dentist. If you have a cavity that needs to be filled or if you want to replace old metal fillings, Dr. Michael Rice of Santa Rosa Dental would be happy to help with personal service and affordable, eco-friendly white filling options.

Disadvantages of Metal Fillings

Metal fillings are surrounded by controversy concerning their safety and effectiveness. Metal fillings, first introduced in 1819 and largely unchanged ever since, are typically 50% mercury, and the other half is a mixture of silver, copper and tin. Many researchers believe this toxic mercury may continue leeching into your mouth, saliva, and blood stream years after the filling has been placed. In addition, metal fillings expand and contract at a much greater rate than your natural enamel. For this reason, when you eat hot food and drink hot or cold drinks, the greater expansion can serve as a wedge to crack your teeth, and the contraction can leave voids where bacteria will infiltrate. In addition to these issues, metal fillings give many patients the appearance of “metal mouth” and are viewed as unattractive.

Why Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Better

At Santa Rosa Dental, Dr. Michael Rice prefers tooth-colored fillings for many sound restorative and cosmetic dental reasons. White or tooth-colored dental fillings are bio-compatible and do not contain mercury or other toxins. Additionally, tooth-colored fillings have a similar thermal expansion rate to enamel, so they won’t crack your teeth like metal fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are molecularly bonded to your teeth, meaning there is no gap for destructive bacteria to infiltrate. Tooth-colored fillings also require less reduction of natural enamel, resulting in you keeping more of your natural tooth. Finally, tooth-colored fillings blend in naturally and produce a bright and beautiful smile.

If you have cavities, tooth decay, failing metal fillings, or other dental issues, find out how Santa Rosa restorative dentist Dr. Michael Rice can use tooth-colored fillings to restore your teeth and your smile.