Mercury Free Fillings Offered at South Waterfront Dental
Dentists in South Waterfront Portland, Oregon Dr. Todd Beck and Dr. Jacob Morrow at South Waterfront Dental offer mercury-free options when it comes to dental fillings. Whether your goals include dental fillings for cosmetic dentistry or restorative dental care, South Waterfront Dental can provide safe, effective and beautiful dental fillings to fit your needs.
The Purpose of Dental Fillings
Our mouths contain bacteria that can be considered either good or bad. The good bacteria aid in digestion and help us fight possible illness or infection. The bad bacteria take advantage of the presence of sugars in the mouth to create acids that harm teeth and lead to decay.
This tooth decay becomes evident in the form of dental caries, which are more commonly known as cavities. If not treated, simple cavities can progress into periodontal disease and tooth loss. However, tooth decay in the form of cavities can be stopped through metal or tooth-colored fillings.
Disadvantages of Metal Fillings
Metal fillings – also known as silver fillings – are officially called amalgam because they consist of a combination of metals like copper, tin, silver and mercury. These are known as silver fillings because of their appearance when placed to treat tooth decay.
Amalgam fillings last for years and prove to be durable no matter where placed in the mouth. However, this material can cause staining of teeth over time, and require the removal of more tooth structure to place. The presence of mercury in amalgam fillings has also caused concern over recent years, as this compound is known to be dangerous to the human body.
Because of these concerns, Dr. Todd Beck and Dr. Jacob Morrow at South Waterfront Dental offer mercury-free, tooth-colored composite fillings to treat and prevent tooth decay.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored composite fillings are a mercury-free option for treating tooth decay. These dental fillings resemble the natural texture, color and appearance of teeth, providing restorations that appear natural. Composite fillings require less removal of the natural tooth structure, last for years, and are a more attractive option when it comes to dental fillings.
Which Filling Should You Choose?
Consistent brushing and flossing, as well as regular appointments for dental exams and teeth cleaning, can keep tooth decay from getting out of hand. But if you need a dental filling to treat tooth decay, it’s important to make a personal appointment to discuss your options with our Portland Oregon dentists regarding choosing amalgam or mercury-free fillings using composite, tooth-colored material. Call South Waterfront Dental at 503-841-5658 for your personal appointment!