When fillings are necessary for teeth affected by decay, a tooth-colored filling eliminates the risk of mercury exposure that can be found in more traditional amalgam (metal) fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are made of a white, composite material, so they have the added benefit of a more aesthetically pleasing and discreet appearance.
Tooth-colored fillings, primarily made from composite resin, offer a highly aesthetic solution for restoring decayed teeth. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, composite resins can be closely matched to the natural color of a patient's teeth, ensuring a more natural-looking restoration. This cosmetic advantage is particularly valuable for fillings in the front teeth or visible parts of the teeth. Additionally, because composite bonds directly to the tooth, less natural tooth structure needs to be removed during preparation, preserving more of the tooth's integrity.
The composite material used in tooth-colored fillings consists of a mixture of plastic and glass, which provides both strength and aesthetics. Advances in composite resin technology have significantly improved the material's durability and resistance to wear, making them suitable for restoring either front or back teeth. However, it's important for dental professionals to note that while composite fillings withstand moderate pressure from the continual stress of chewing, they may not be as durable as metal fillings over a long period.
The process of applying a tooth-colored filling is more involved than that of an amalgam filling. It requires isolation of the tooth to prevent moisture from interfering with the bonding process. The dentist will then remove decay, apply an adhesive, and place the composite material in layers. A special light is used to harden each layer. Afterward, the composite is shaped to fit the tooth and polished to prevent staining and wear. The attention to detail and technique sensitivity required highlights the need for dental professionals to be skilled and meticulous.
For Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, recommending tooth-colored fillings goes beyond aesthetics. Composite fillings do not contain mercury, an element present in amalgam fillings, which has been a topic of health concerns despite assurances of safety from major health organizations. This aspect makes tooth-colored fillings more appealing to patients who are concerned about mercury exposure, even though amalgam fillings are deemed safe by the ADA and FDA.
Educating patients on the care of tooth-colored fillings is crucial. While composite fillings are strong and blend well with natural teeth, they can be prone to staining from substances like coffee, tea, and tobacco. Encouraging patients to maintain good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups can extend the life and appearance of their fillings. Additionally, dental professionals should inform patients that, although durable, tooth-colored fillings may eventually need to be replaced due to wear or discoloration over time.
Dr. Mendia is a Dentist Anesthesiologist and the founder of the Advanced Dental Anesthesia Services Group. A New Jersey native, he attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Directly following Dental School, Dr. Mendia completed a rigorous postdoctoral residency program in Dental Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Dr. Mendia’s anesthesia training involved hospital rotations through various specialties providing general anesthesia in the areas of dentistry, general surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), pediatrics and obstetrics. Lastly, he received specialized training for office-based anesthesia.
Today, Dr. Mendia has found his niche in ambulatory anesthesia with pediatric and special needs patients. He is also a local, national and international guest lecturer who provides continuing education courses on sedation and medical emergencies in the dental office.
Dr. Mendia is a Diplomate of the National Board of Dental Anesthesiology and a Fellow of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. In addition, he is also a part of the following: American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists,
New Jersey Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He holds certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and is a Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider, training local dental offices for certification.
Get to Know Dr. Mendia:
Dr. Mendia resides in northern New Jersey with his wife and three children, all of which keep him very busy! A fun fact about Dr. Mendia, is that he loves following the weather and when he was younger, he wanted to be a meteorologist! His personal interests vary; he enjoys taking the kids to the zoo and Central Park; in the Fall you’ll find him at sporting events. He enjoys traveling to Long Beach Island and to warmer climates in the Winter.
ZO Skin Health is a medical-grade skin care line founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi. Through an innovative approach that uses the power of science, ZO Skin Health features solutions for helping everyone achieve healthy skin, regardless of their skin type or age. All of the cutting-edge formulas are designed to rejuvenate the skin and protect against future damage.
The skinbetter science product line was designed to make it simple to achieve better skin health. Using a scientific approach, skinbetter science products can help boost the youthfulness and radiance of your skin with just 1 – 3 products. The idea is to make skin care uncomplicated while helping you achieve visible, real-life results.
Founded in 1999, SkinMedica has been a pioneer in the arena of clinically backed, scientific skin care. A wide selection of products is available to refresh the health of your skin and treat the visible signs of aging. From sun protection to treatment for dark spots, wrinkles, uneven texture, and discoloration, many different cutting-edge formulas are available for your unique concerns.
Hair loss has multiple root causes, and Nutrafol utilizes key ingredients to address each of them specifically. The Nutrafol product line features collagen supplements, vitamins, growth serums, shampoos, and more to give your scalp the nutrients it needs through a natural, drug-free approach. The result is thicker, fuller hair growth for both men and women. If you are interested in showing your hair, skin, and nails some love, then Nutrafol is the product line for you!