Improve Your Smile with Tooth Colored Fillings

Even with healthy oral habits, you can find yourself in need of dental restoration. Tooth colored fillings allow dentists to provide their patients with more aesthetically pleasing results. Here are some details on using this option to repair dental cavities.

What are tooth colored fillings?

Many modern patients want teeth to look natural when laughing or smiling. This is why tooth colored fillings, often made from composite, are popular. They are made of durable plastics and glass. You may want to request these fillings if the dental issue that requires repair is close to the front of your mouth.

What is the process associated with composite fillings?

Tooth colored composite fillings normally require only one visit for tooth preparation and restoration. Since this material bonds well with natural teeth, less of the healthy portion of your tooth is removed than with some of the alternative materials.

Your dentist will first choose a shade of composite that matches the rest of your teeth. Then, the tooth and surrounding area will be numbed to prevent you from feeling pain throughout the procedure. The dentist will subsequently drill into the tooth enamel and extract the decayed part of the tooth. The tooth is sometimes shaved in preparation for a filling when it is considerably damaged.

When the tooth is ready for the filling, your dentist will etch and bond the tooth. The composite material is then layered into the hollow portion of the tooth. A special light is utilized to cure and set the composite after each coating.

Once the filling has cured, your dentist will shape, contour, and polish the tooth. The last task is to check your bite for comfort. If there is any discomfort when you bite down, the oral health care professional can make adjustments by further shaving or contouring the tooth until you are satisfied.

After the restoration procedure, you may experience sensitivity to cold or hot for up to a week. If the issue continues beyond that timeframe, call your dentist.

Are there alternatives to composites for tooth colored fillings?

Composite fillings are the most commonly-used tooth colored fillings, but they are not the only option. If the area in need of restoration is large or is relied upon heavily for chewing, your dentist may advise you to use a different material for the procedure.

White fillings can be more costly than other options. However, most patients feel that the additional cost is worthwhile in order to achieve a natural look. The fillings need to be replaced periodically. As the edge of a filling breaks away from the tooth, bacteria can grow between the two and cause decay. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly to have the restoration checked for issues.