Tooth Colored Fillings
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are ideal for patients who have cavities and who want to go with a metal-free, aesthetically-pleasing alternative to amalgam fillings. These fillings use a material known as composite resin, which comes in a variety of different shades. The filling is matched perfectly with your smile so that it blends in seamlessly. Tooth-colored fillings can last for many years, and are often better suited for areas where amalgam fillings regularly fall out.
Why are Tooth-Colored Fillings needed?
The main reason for needing a tooth-colored filling is because you have a cavity. A cavity is an area of decay in a tooth that should be removed and replaced with filling material to prevent further issues. If you ignore the cavity, the decay will eventually make its way to the center of the tooth, leading to the need for a root canal. Tooth-colored fillings are ideal for patients wanting a seamless way to fill in areas of decay.
Who is a good candidate for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
We will perform an examination to determine if you have one or more cavities. The appointment involves removing the decay and placing the composite resin. Most people who need a filling can and should have the procedure done. Alternatively, you might want to remove older metal fillings and replace them with composite resin.
What happens during the procedure for Tooth Colored Fillings?
We begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area. The decay is fully removed from the tooth, and the small hole prepped for the new filling. We shade match the composite resin with the rest of the tooth. It is then placed into the small hole and smoothed out. It’s cured with a bright light to prevent it from moving and falling out. Your brand new tooth-colored filling will be a great addition to your smile, and will blend in seamlessly so that no one will even know that it’s there.
If you think you might need or want tooth-colored fillings, call our office today and we can help to get you in for a convenient appointment.
