Have you recently been told you have a cavity that needs treatment? In the old days, your only option was to receive a filling made of an amalgam of metals like silver and gold. Advancements in modern dentistry has led to the discovery of tooth-colored fillings, a far superior alternative. Not only are these fillings better for your oral health, but they can be customized to blend in with your existing enamel. No one should be able to tell you ever had a cavity in the first place! To learn more about how tooth-colored fillings work and how they can benefit you, keep reading below.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of a material called composite resin, which is a mixture of fine glass and acrylic particles. This substance directly bonds to your tooth for a more secure attachment than simply placing a piece of metal inside the tooth. Instead of creating a noticeable dark spot in your smile, tooth-colored fillings can be color-matched to the exact shade of the rest of your tooth, making them virtually undetectable.
Composite resin fillings allow Dr. James Candon to preserve more of your natural tooth structure, since almost no enamel must be removed to make room, unlike with amalgam fillings. The resin forms a tight bond with your tooth, sealing out bacteria that may cause decay in the future. This bond is incredibly powerful, allowing your filling to last for years to come.
Additionally, tooth-colored fillings are generally more resistant to daily wear and tear than their metal counterparts, so they typically don’t need to be replaced as often. Your filling may last up to a decade or even longer provided you take good care of your smile.
Lastly, amalgam fillings tend to expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold foods and drinks, which can damage the tooth to the point of sensitivity. Fortunately, tooth-colored fillings retain their size no matter the temperature.
Dr. Candon will begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Any decay will be removed, and the area will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. Next, we will apply the composite resin to your tooth layer by layer until the entire cavity is filled, adjusting it as we go to ensure it looks and feels as natural as possible. After we evaluate your bite, we’ll polish the tooth and send you on your way to enjoy your new and improved smile!
Maintaining your fillings is actually quite similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss every day, and attend your checkups and cleanings on a regular basis, usually twice a year. During these visits, Dr. Candon will check on your fillings to make sure they’re in good shape and schedule an appointment to replace them if need be.
Do you have a noticeable cavity marring your smile? Do you have a metal filling that you’d like to get switched out for a tooth-colored alternative? In either case, the team at BridgeMill Dental Care can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for tooth-colored fillings. We guarantee you’ll love the results!