Dental Fillings

Tooth-colored dental fillings not only restore teeth affected by cavities, but the restorations also blend beautifully with your smile. Our doctors can place composite resin fillings to prevent further decay and restore strength to your tooth at our dental office. Since cavities and bacterial decay can build up and damage your healthy surrounding teeth, we provide thorough screening during each exam and cleaning.

We offer tooth-colored fillings composed of composite resin, a durable material that can be customized to blend in with the natural shade of your smile. Fillings are used to fill gaps left by decay after your dentist has removed damaged tissue and cleaned out any cavities. Benefits include:

• Completely natural appearance
• Long-lasting and durable
• Secure bonding process

Like traditional restorations, these fillings are an effective preventive measure against further decay and allow patients to chew comfortably again.

Tooth-colored fillings are virtually indistinguishable from natural dental enamel. Who Can Benefit From Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Composite resin fillings may be right for you if you suffer from:

• Mild to moderate decay
• Mild chips, cracks, or wear and tear, especially on front teeth
• Worn out fillings or amalgam restorations that need replacement

For more extensive decay- inlays, onlays, or dental crowns may be more appropriate. If caught at an early stage, however, the effects of decay can be corrected with this simple and convenient solution. Furthermore, composite fillings can also be used to replace worn out restorations or amalgam fillings that contain mercury.

The process of receiving a tooth-colored filling is relatively quick and simple. First, your dentist will determine the source of the problem with a thorough examination of your teeth, conducting both a visual exam in addition to taking x-rays. If he finds decayed tissue, he will first numb the tooth and clear the area of all bacteria. When the site is clean, he can determine whether a composite filling will provide sufficient protection or if you need a different type of treatment.

For the right patients, tooth-colored fillings offer a simple and convenient restorative solution.

The tooth-colored composite material is applied layer by layer, and your dentist will harden each one with a curing light. When this process is complete, he contours the restoration so that it feels natural and comfortable. The last step is to smooth and polish the filling and make sure your bite is not affected in any way.

Taking care of your filling and being alert to any changes is important for its preservation. You should brush twice a day and floss your teeth daily, and it is important to follow up with your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. Avoiding candies and other hard foods is also a good way to maintain your filling and keep all your teeth healthy. If you notice any pain, sharp edges, instability, or broken pieces, contact your dentist.

To minimize our patients’ exposure to mercury during the removal of an amalgam filling, we refer out to other offices that have specialized ventilation systems. When an amalgam filling is removed, it first has to be heated. This process can release mercury vapor, which warrants special equipment to filter the air and keep you safe from any mercury particles in the atmosphere.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that point to decay, prompt action is crucial to maintaining your oral health. If cavities are not dealt with quickly, bacteria can spread to your healthy teeth and may require more extensive and expensive treatment later on. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings or to schedule an appointment, contact us.