General dentistry
White Fillings in Sarasota
Tooth-colored fillings that treat a cavity before it reaches the nerve, and replace old metal work that has worn out.
- Material
- Tooth-colored composite
- Treats
- Decay, chips, old fillings
- Amalgam lasts
- About 10 to 12 years
- Composite lasts
- About 5 to 7 years
A filling treats a cavity before the decay reaches the nerve. That is the whole case for doing it early, and it is a stronger case than it sounds: the same problem treated late is a root canal.
What a filling is for
Decay, first. Then the two jobs people forget about: replacing an old filling that has worn out, and rebuilding a chipped tooth.
How long they last
Amalgam, the silver-colored fillings, typically last 10 to 12 years before they begin to crumble or leak. Composite resin usually lasts five to seven. A heavy bite shortens both, and a particularly large filling is likelier to fail than a small one, with some risk of the tooth around it fracturing.
Why white rather than metal
Composite is virtually invisible, and modern composites take relatively heavy biting pressure. The trade-off is cost, because placement is technique sensitive, and staining over time.
Why now
A cavity does not stay a cavity
Left alone, decay grows until it reaches the nerve canal, which is as painful as it sounds and can bring infection or an abscess with it. Treated early it is a filling. Left late it can become a root canal, and it costs considerably more.
I have been going to Sarasota Smile Design for years. They have a friendly efficient staff. They do amazing dental work. Very detailed oriented and beautiful office. I highly recommend using them.
Also used for
What else a filling fixes
Fillings are not only for decay. They replace or repair an old filling that has worn down, and they rebuild a chipped tooth.
Love the staff. Professional and friendly. Very efficient. I would highly recommend this office.
Replacement
Every filling is eventually replaced
How long one lasts depends on the material, the size and location of the filling, and your own bite. Dr. Back checks the condition of existing fillings at each appointment and will say when one needs replacing.
- Amalgam, the silver-colored fillings, typically last 10 to 12 years
- Composite resin fillings usually last between five and seven years
- A heavy bite shortens both, sometimes considerably
- Large fillings are likelier to fail, and raise the risk of the tooth around them fracturing
So happy to finally have found a beautiful dentist office to go to. A welcoming, warm and friendly staff were not just a false front. Dr. Back was fantastic, knowledgeable, caring, a true professional who got straight to the “root” of the problem (which went unnoticed at my 1st attempt that day at a previous dentist) After 4ys I have finally found somewhere I will look forward to going back to!
The trade-off
Composite against amalgam
Composite resin is chosen because it is virtually invisible, and modern composites are durable enough for relatively heavy biting pressure. It is the more expensive of the two, because placing it is very technique sensitive, and it can stain over time.
I can honestly say this has been the best dental experience I have had since I was a child. The office is extremely professional and Dr. Back is top notch and one of a kind. She is a perfectionist and will not rest until you are satisfied.
Answers
White Fillings: questions patients ask
Why can a cavity not wait?
Because decay grows. Once it enters the nerve canal it hurts, and it can bring infection or an abscess. It also turns a filling into a harder and more expensive procedure, sometimes a root canal.
How long will a white filling last?
Composite resin fillings usually last between five and seven years. Amalgam typically lasts 10 to 12. Both go sooner with a heavy bite.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Eventually every filling is replaced. They are checked at each appointment, and replacement is recommended when there is evidence of further decay because the filling is leaking or crumbling.
Why is composite more expensive than metal?
Placing it is very technique sensitive. What you get for it is a filling that is virtually invisible.
Do white fillings stain?
They can, over time. Your dentist will tell you when replacement is worth doing.
Related care
3800 Clark Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233
Ask about white fillings.
Open Monday to Thursday, 8:00a to 4:00p. Call (941) 927-5411. Financing through CareCredit.