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My dentist relocated to Florida, and a new dentist bought the practice. I have cracked silver fillings in three upper molar teeth. After the dentist recommended replacing them, I asked for white fillings. The dentist said that white fillings would not work because the cavities were too deep. I did not think white fillings were only for small cavities because my previous dentist mentioned replacing all my silver fillings with white ones. Are some cavities too deep for white fillings? The thought of the dentist drilling through my teeth for silver fillings makes me nervous. – Lydia
Lydia,
Thank you for choosing our office for your question.
Are Some Cavities Too Deep for White Filling?
A dentist can use white (composite) fillings for deep cavities. The deeper the cavity, the more it makes sense to use composite. Amalgam (silver) fillings increase tooth sensitivity to heat and cold. Deep fillings conduct more temperature changes to teeth.
Also, deep fillings are usually wide and make cavity walls thinner. Composite fillings strengthen cavity walls, but amalgam will weaken the walls and increase the risk of tooth fracture.
Check with your dental insurance company to verify if your plan provides any coverage for white fillings. Some insurance plans only contribute toward amalgam filling because they cost less.
Look for a Cosmetic Dentist
Placing composite fillings requires more skill and time. Look for a dentist with cosmetic dentistry training who understands the techniques needed to keep your teeth dry throughout the process and ensure good bonding between the tooth enamel and composite. When a dentist places composite fillings well, they are healthy for your teeth and will last for years without cracking.
A skilled dentist can use local anesthesia to prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure. But if your anxiety level is high, speak with the cosmetic dentist about helping you relax with sedation.
David Finley, DDS of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Although you ask about the gumline, which all your teeth are missing, you no longer have a gumline. The gumline is where the gum tissue and teeth meet. A denture includes a pink base above the denture teeth to replace what would have been your gumline. So, we will explain where a dentist should place denture teeth in relation to the jawbone ridge beneath the denture.
My son is 5 years old and already has problems with cavities. I am a single parent working full-time, and although I do not give my son many sweets at home, his caregiver gives him plenty of sugary snacks. I have talked to the caregiver about it, but she ignores me. I can see that my son’s teeth are not in good shape. After a dental exam last month, the pediatric dentist said that my son has three small but deep cavities in his upper molar teeth. He also lost tooth structure on two other teeth. My son complains when he chews on the right side of his mouth. Unfortunately, something about the dentist we saw makes my son nervous, so I am concerned that he will panic when it is time for the dental work. Should I ask the dentist about sedation? Deidre from KY
