If a patient has a cavity, Dr. Robert H. Watson may recommend a dental filling in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our dentist will remove the decay from the tooth, clean the tooth thoroughly, and fill the area with a dental filling material. At our office, we offer amalgam dental fillings and composite dental fillings.
Amalgam dental fillings are made from mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper. Amalgam fillings, which are also called silver fillings, are very durable, lasting at least 10 to 15 years. They last longer than composite dental fillings. Silver fillings are strong enough to withstand the chewing forces of the mouth. Amalgam fillings are also less expensive than composite fillings.
Composite dental fillings, which are also called tooth-colored dental fillings, are made of plastic and tooth-colored materials. They are very aesthetic, as they can be made to closely match the color of your natural teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are especially well suited for the front teeth and other visible teeth. Composite dental fillings are chemically bonded to the tooth structure, which gives them extra strength. Often, composite fillings do not require as much tooth structure removal as amalgam fillings do.
Please contact our dental office today to learn which type of dental filling type is right for you and to schedule your next visit.