COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Natural Teeth-Colored Fillings in Chula Vista
TEETH-COLORED FILLINGS
AT OTAY LAKES DENTAL ARTS
TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. Schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are suitable for you.
During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the filling site. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filler will be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.
TYPES OF DENTAL FILLINGS
• Tooth-colored Materials
When a cavity is filled using a tooth-colored material, the results are more natural looking and less noticeable. Most patients prefer this option when receiving routine dental care for decay towards the front of the mouth. However, some patients can also enjoy the discretion of these materials on back teeth when decay is not too severe. Tooth-colored fillings can be made of:
– Porcelain/ceramic
– Resin composite (a combination of porcelain and plastic)
– Glass ionomer (a combination of acrylic and glass, infused with fluoride)
– While porcelain and resin composite is used on exposed tooth areas, glass ionomer fillings are typically used to treat decay below the gum line.
Composite fillings, a popular choice among dentists and patients, can be easily adjusted to match the natural shade of a person’s teeth. This repair usually lasts approximately five years in adults with proper oral care. Porcelain fillings, which can also be tinted for a realistic finish, tend to last between 10 and 15 years in a healthy adult.
• Amalgams And Metals
Traditional fillings were made from amalgam, a combination of silver, tin, copper, mercury, and zinc. Patients can also request gold fillings. Both materials are still considered safe by the FDA and are incredibly durable, lasting around 15 years in most patients.
Due to its longevity, amalgam is still used for severe decay in some children. However, the silver appearance can be unsightly. In situations that require the strength of metal, a composite filling can be reinforced with stainless steel, offering patients the best of both worlds when needed.
A TREATMENT QUICKER THAN EVER
The tooth-colored filling procedure is not only quick but also painless. One or two cavities can be treated in less than an hour. The patient will be administered a local anesthetic during the treatment to numb the gums and teeth near the treatment area. The numbing sets in after 10 to 15 minutes, and it is then that the treatment is begun by the dentist in New Britain, CT.
ADVANTAGES OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
• Long-lasting
• A camouflaged look
• The tooth structure will be left healthy and intact
• Zero mercury
If you want a mercury-free option, the tooth-colored filling is the best bet since silver amalgam fillings contain some mercury, which is considered toxic.
After your doctor has finished the procedure, your teeth will look natural. There are many advantages of tooth-colored fillings, like natural-looking teeth that provide:
• A beautiful smile.
• Composite, which strengthens your teeth.
• Sealed cracks that protect teeth from bacteria.
WHY WAIT ANOTHER DAY?
If you have questions about tooth-colored fillings, don’t hesitate to call us (619) 216 – 3333 or contact us today.