What are the advantages of composite resin fillings?

When patients think of cavities, they are often familiar with the treatment option: fillings. Fillings are a common and routine dental treatment that is performed by Dr. Steven Holbrook of Albuquerque, NM. In his practice, we uses fillings when patients have areas of decay that need to be treated. Cavities are treated with fillings to keep them from getting larger, deeper, and becoming a more serious—and expensive—problem in the future.

What is a dental filling?

A filling is a material that is used to seal off a tooth and fill an area that has been lost due to decay. The idea behind the filling is to protect the tooth from further damage, while restoring the structure so it can function properly. In the past, many dentists used a material known as silver amalgam. This material is made of approximately 50% mercury, a substance that is toxic to the human body. Instead of putting patients at risk for mercury toxicity, Dr. Steven E. Holbrook uses a material known as composite resin instead. There are a few benefits of composite resin fillings for patients to consider:

• Composite resin fillings are made of a safe and biocompatible material that can be  used in the smile without side effects or consequences.
• Composite resin fillings do not expand and contract with temperature changes, ensuring a tight fit and protection from bacteria entering into the tooth.
• Composite resin fillings are the same color as tooth enamel, allowing them to be difficult to discern from the natural tooth structure.

Dr. Steven E. Holbrook encourages patients to ask him about tooth-colored fillings and how they can not only restore the tooth, but maintain the confidence and beauty of an attractive smile!

Learn more about dental fillings

If you reside in the Albuquerque, NM area and want to speak with our dentist about comprehensive dental care and the importance of dental fillings, we invite you to call the office at (505) 881-1159 and visit our practice at 8228 Louisiana Boulevard, NC Ste. C. Dr. Steven E. Holbrook and his staff work closely with patients to help them in addressing their dental needs.