You remember when you got your first cavity. It was decades ago, but it continues to cause you problems. You’ve had amalgam fillings, which have helped keep your tooth from having another cavity. But the metal is almost like a sign telling everyone you meet that you had tooth decay. You don’t have to keep getting metal fillings when you need replacements. You could get white, tooth-colored fillings instead. Sunrise Dental offers white fillings at each of our four locations in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Durham. Our dentists enjoying treating our patients throughout the Triangle, even if no one will be able to tell you had anything done. Metal Mouths A lot of time when people mention “metal mouth,” they are referring to having braces. But having amalgam fillings can produce a similar effect on your smile. Amalgam fillings are made with a combination of mercury and other metals like copper, silver, and tin. It’s no surprise that you would have a metallic smile if you have actual metal in your teeth. While amalgam fillings will help your teeth remain healthy, they can also make you self-conscious about your smile. Just like losing a tooth, having a silver tooth or teeth can attract unwanted attention and questions. If your teeth looked more natural, you could avoid many of those issues. Filling Replacement No matter what kind of filling you get, it will not last forever. Our hope is that all our patients visit us a couple times every year for routine cleanings and examinations. During those visits, our dentists will look at the condition of your fillings in addition to monitoring the health of your teeth and gums. Here are some of the things we will be looking for:

• Are your fillings chipped?

As fillings get older, they will become more susceptible to damage. Your teeth may start to chip and pieces may break off. When this is happening, it’s a good sign that you need to replace your fillings.

• Are your fillings cracked?

This is another signs that your fillings are becoming weak. Cracks can and will continue to spread.

• Are you fillings separating from your teeth?

This should be a concern to anyone with fillings. Your teeth can become exposed to tooth decay again if a space has opened between your filling the tooth itself.

• Has your filling fallen out?

Our hope is that you would notice this right away and call us to get it replaced as soon as possible. Nevertheless, if your filling is gone, we will be aware that something is missing. Good Reasons To Get White Fillings We’ve already alluded to the cosmetic benefits of white fillings. They look like your natural teeth. They will blend in with your smile, and your teeth will not have the sparkle of metal when you speak to someone. Fillings for front teeth, in particular, are made to look and feel as natural as possible. Dental research has made composite fillings stronger and more durable than ever. Many composite fillings are harder than amalgam fillings, and our white fillings can last as long as amalgam fillings with proper care. Of course replacing existing amalgam fillings is only one reason you may considering getting composite fillings. The most obvious reason is that you have tooth decay. More than 90 percent of American adults will have at least one cavity during their lives. Coincidentally, about 1 in 4 people has a cavity that has not been treated. If you should develop or discover a cavity, it’s best to treat it quickly. After the decay is removed, a composite filling can protect the tooth from additional problems and restore your tooth to its original appearance. Another reason to consider a composite filling is a cracked tooth. A small crack can quickly spread, and the crack may expose the interior of your tooth to bacteria that cause tooth decay. If we find the crack early, we may be able to fix it with a filling. A deeper crack may require more extensive treatment, however, such as a root canal or dental crown. The composite filling material also can be used to repair worn down teeth. This can be a simple way to rebuild a tooth that has received minor damage. Make Your Smile A Little Whiter If you are ready to regain a whiter, more natural looking smile, contact any of our dentists in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, or Durham. The team at Sunrise Dental will be happy to help you get tooth-colored fillings in place of your old amalgam fillings or to fill in a cavity. To make your appointment, fill out our online form or call the office closest to you.