Bacteria lives in your mouth and on your teeth. Every time you eat something you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth. After they eat, they produce acid which, if not removed properly with brushing and flossing, can cause demineralization of teeth. Demineralization can lead to a hole in your tooth known as decay or dental caries (cavity). Dr. Hynes will remove the decay and replace it with a restoration (filling).
Dr. Hynes will take into account many factors, such as size and location of decay, to determine which material is best to restore your tooth. Cosmetic considerations, how long the restoration could last, insurance coverage and out of pocket costs are some factors you might want to consider. Here are some common restorative material options:
- Composite resins (tooth-colored restorations) are a mixture of glass or quartz filler that provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to medium-sized restorations that need to withstand moderate pressure from chewing.
- Amalgam (silver-colored restoration) is made from a combination of metals that include mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam is durable and more affordable than composite resins but is not natural looking like composite resins.
- Gold inlays or onlays are composed of an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals. Gold is very durable but is more costly than composite resins and amalgam and is not natural looking like composite resins.
Dr. Hynes will help you make the best decision between restorative materials.