Amalgam Sensitivity? Try Tooth-Colored Fillings Instead
Dental fillings are so common that most people don’t give them a second thought. However, when your filling is a metal amalgam that ends up creating tooth sensitivity, that filling can quickly become all that you think about! For many patients, amalgam fillings have a long track record of success when used to repair teeth that have suffered damage due to decay. They do have their drawbacks, though, as they are less attractive than other more modern options, and have certain features that can increase the likelihood of tooth sensitivity. That’s why so many patients today choose tooth-colored fillings instead.
Why Amalgam Sensitivity Occurs
It is certainly true that many patients with amalgam fillings never experience complications with those teeth. It is equally true, however, that many others do – and that this is largely due to the natural attributes of the metal used in those fillings. That metal tends to conduct heat in ways that composite fillings do not – and that conduction property can cause problems when some patients consume hot food or beverages.
When that heat hits the metal, the amalgam expands, causing the filling to press against the nerves in that tooth. As you might expect, that pressure causes pain. As if that weren’t bad enough, the metal also responds to cold temperatures, which can cause the amalgam to contract. That too can create pain, the bonded metal pulls on the tooth in other ways. Over time, this alternative expansion and contraction can create tiny fractures in the tooth, leading to even more sensitivity and opening the door to bacteria and future dental complications.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings Can be a Superior Option
The good news is that modern dentistry has the solution for those tooth sensitivity problems. Your dentist can provide you with composite fillings that contain ceramic and other non-metal ingredients. Those modern fillings are also tooth-colored, which means that you can get fillings that match your teeth – ensuring that your smile continues to be as natural and gorgeous as ever. You can even replace your metal amalgam fillings with tooth-colored fillings, and relieve your sensitivity concerns.
So, what makes tooth-colored fillings a superior option? In addition to the aesthetic benefits of their natural appearance, these fillings also help many patients to avoid the sensitivity that amalgam fillings can sometimes create. The ceramic and other composites used in tooth-colored fillings neither expand nor contract. Instead, they are insulators, and protect the tooth against those extreme temperatures that would otherwise impact your nerves.
At Ebenezer Dental, we always strive to ensure that each patient receives the best solution for his or her dental needs. And while many patients can comfortable use metal amalgam fillings without complications, many others cannot. For those patients, tooth-colored fillings can be the perfect way to avoid that uncomfortable sensitivity. That’s why you should always consult with the best dentist in midtown Manhattan to ensure that the filling option you choose is the right one for your needs. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment!