Amalgam Fillings
Gresham, OR
 Many of us may remember seeing a flash of metal on someone’s teeth whenever they laughed. Whether silver in appearance or yellow like gold, it serves as a very important purpose with regards to that person’s smile. If a tooth has suffered from decay, one of the best ways to restore it is by removing the infected part and filling it with something that prevents the bacteria from causing further damage to the enamel. Through the use of amalgam fillings, Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry is capable of repairing both adult and baby teeth.
Why Dental Care Is Important
When your teeth begin to have a fuzzy, textured sensation, especially around the gum line, that means the bacteria that live in your mouth is consuming the sugar on your teeth. It leaves behind an acid that erodes the enamel. The process of removal is quite simple. All you have to do to is brush gently with a soft toothbrush twice a day, floss to get any particles the brush may not be able to reach and have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year to keep plaque buildup at bay. If left to accumulate, however, it can lead to decay or even periodontal disease.
Once the decay has caused significant damage, such as a visible hole in your tooth, it becomes essential to your oral care that it is removed immediately to prevent further destruction. If left to progress, it can eventually eat away to your root, which can be extremely painful. Though there are ways to restore your tooth after it has been destroyed, one of the best ways to ensure optimal oral care is preventing damage to the enamel before it can become a problem.
How Fillings Can Restore Your Teeth
Especially since the baby teeth can be critical in the development of communication, the use of traditional fillings can be beneficial to the dental treatment of the smallest patient. Amalgam fillings, which are often called silver fillings because of their color, are comprised of a series of metals such as silver, tin, copper, or mercury. Amalgam fillings have been used in the field of dentistry for over a hundred years because of their durability. It also hardens very quickly, which can be an effective means of treating younger or special needs patients since there is less time spent in the chair.
Silver fillings are best used in areas of greater damage, such as on biting surfaces in the back of the mouth. They can be very strong and are much less likely to break than other fillings. They are also the most cost-effective and are usually more affordable for those who may have many family members needing treatment.
Although the use of mercury for amalgam fillings may be a concern to some, it may help you to know that when incorporated with other metals it is considered quite safe. There are different types of mercury and the kind that is used in fillings is not the same as you may find in a tuna sandwich. It is also used in minute amounts, which means you are at low risk of mercury exposure.
If you are in need of a pediatric dentist who specializes in your dental health from that very first tooth, please give us here at Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry a call at (503) 663-8141 where we will be happy to schedule you an appointment or answer any questions you might have about dental fillings.
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