The Benefits of Composite Fillings

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Traditionally, dentists have used what’s known as amalgam, or special metal alloys, to fill cavities. However, modern dental medicine has advanced to the point that Byron C. Scott, DMD can offer Mobile patients a much better option for filling holes caused by tooth decay: composite fillings. At Springhill Dental Health Center, we would like to educate you on the benefits of tooth-colored, composite fillings, so please let this article serve as your personal fillings fact sheet.

The History of Fillings

Once upon a time, the choices for dental restoration materials were limited. Records dating back as far as 659 A.D. tell us that amalgams (mixtures of silver, mercury, tin, and/or copper) have been used widely for more than 1300 years. There have been a number of scientific disputes (referred to as the amalgam war) over the health concerns of using mercury, but the American Dental Association has always defended the safety of amalgam fillings. Until recently, amalgam fillings were favored because of their strength, resilience, and relative ease of preparation and placement. That being said, amalgams have three main drawbacks:

  • They are not aesthetically pleasing, may corrode, and can actually stain teeth
  • They require the removal of some healthy tooth structure
  • They expand and contract, which can cause teeth to crack

Composite Fillings

Modern dentistry offers a number of options for dental restorations. The most commonly used fillings are made of gold, amalgam, composite, or porcelain. Byron C. Scott, DMD prefers composite fillings because they are:

  • Strong
  • Tooth-colored
  • Can be placed in a single visit
  • Require very little removal of healthy tooth structure
  • Allow for easy identification of tooth decay nearby
  • Bond extremely well to enamel

Composite resin fillings are made from powdered glass and plastic resin, and placed directly on the tooth in thin layers, then shaped and polished. Byron C. Scott, DMD uses a special curing light source to accelerate the bonding process. Composite fillings are generally more durable than porcelain, significantly less expensive than gold, and do not expand and contract like amalgam fillings. Mobile patients often prefer composite fillings because they look just like natural teeth.

If you have any questions about fillings or would like to visit Springhill Dental Health Center to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at (251) 265-7808.

What our Patients say about us

Testimonials

My visit was incredible. I had my “All on Four” appliances cleaned, and it was a painless and thorough experience. Dr. Scott and all his staff are very friendly. During the cleaning, Mary was gentle and let me know everything she was doing and how it would feel. She gave me tips on how to clean my implants/appliances better and gave me a small brush to do the underside more effectively. Dr. Scott and Mary suggest cleanings take place every 3 months so I will be back in December.

Bette D.
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Meet Dr. Byron C. Scott

Dr. Byron Scott is a highly-trained and accomplished dentist. He attended The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and subsequently completed numerous Advanced Studies and Trainings. Dr. Scott is Board-Certified by The Academy of General Dentistry and has earned Mastership status (MAGD), an honor shared by only 1% of dentists. He has numerous memberships and associations, including Diplomate status with The American Board of Oral Implantology (D-ABOI) and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (D-ICOI). Overall, Dr. Scott has dedicated his life and career to helping patients improve their oral health through expert dentistry. His goal is to help each patient keep their smile healthy, attractive, and comfortable for the duration of their lifetime.

Learn More About Dr. Scott
Springhill Dental Health Center

Office Information

4620 Springhill Ave, Mobile, AL 36608, United States
Monday:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday to Thursday:
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
New Patients Only: 
(251) 265-7808
All Other Callers: 
(251) 343-1521

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