COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Teeth-colored Fillings

TEETH-COLORED FILLINGS

AT OTAY LAKES DENTAL ARTS

Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, fractures, and other types of damage while preserving a more natural tooth appearance. Many filling materials are available, each with its advantages, side effects, and disadvantages. You and Dr. Miller can discuss the best options for repairing specific teeth.

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

When choosing the right type of dental filling for a cavity, patients now have several options. Currently, most people opt for tooth-colored fillings for a more discreet result. However, a metal filling may be the more appropriate choice in certain situations. A dentist can help patients make the most appropriate selection based on age, dental history, and the location of the affected tooth.

• 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

The tooth-colored fillings can last for more than ten years if the teeth, gums, and fillers are adequately taken care of. You should make sure that you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and go for a dental exam and cleaning every six months. Apart from this, you should avoid bad dental habits like chewing on inedible objects like fingernails or pens, and you should also avoid chewing ice or hard candies because all of these can dislodge or chip the fillings.

• A camouflaged look

You can laugh, yawn, and speak because everyone will see your beautifully camouflaged-filled white teeth. The tooth-colored fillings blend in with the surrounding tooth structure, unlike the past’s gold and silver amalgam filling. Through this filling, no one can tell if you have a cavity or not.

• The tooth structure will be left healthy and intact

The tooth-colored filling consists of composite resin that binds with the teeth. This implies that much of the natural tooth structure will not have to be removed, which is unlikely with gold fillings or silver amalgam. Through this, the cavity will be treated by your family dentist in Eastlake more conservatively, and the natural tooth structure will be well maintained.

• 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.

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