Tooth-Colored Fillings – Plymouth, MA
Aesthetically Pleasing Cavity Repair
For many years, dentists always turned to a material known as silver amalgam to fill cavities. While the amalgam is quite strong, it does have some significant disadvantages, one of which is that it clashes with the natural color of teeth. At Aveni Dental Professionals, we are proud to have left silver amalgam behind. Instead, we use tooth-colored fillings to address cases of minor tooth decay. On this page, you will learn more about this restorative procedure.
Why Choose Aveni Dental for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- 1 Highly experienced dentist
- 2 Repair cavities without the use of metal
- 3 Aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting results
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are composed of a biocompatible composite resin, which is a mixture of plastic, glass particles, and other ingredients. The resin is very flexible, and it can be shade-matched to blend in with the natural color of the tooth that surrounds it. Tooth-colored fillings are made out of the same material as cosmetic dental bonding.
How Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Work?
The process for filling a cavity with composite resin is fairly simple and quick. First, we will probably numb the tooth so you are comfortable while we work (if the cavity is not very deep, numbing may not be necessary). Then, your doctor will remove the decay from inside the cavity before inserting the resin. A special curing light hardens the filling in a matter of seconds. The last step in the process is to adjust the filling so it does not interfere with your bite. Your tooth might be a little sensitive for a few days after your procedure, but you will be able to use it to chew food immediately following your appointment.
Do I Need a Tooth-Colored Filling?
Here are some signs that indicate you may need a tooth-colored filling:
- You have a visible hole in one of your teeth
- One tooth is extra-sensitive to hot and cold temperatures
- You lost an old filling
- You are ready to replace a metal filling with something more aesthetically pleasing
- Food always seems to get stuck in a particular spot on a tooth
- Your floss frequently catches in a certain area
- A tooth feels rough when you run your tongue over it
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
The most obvious benefit of tooth-colored fillings is their subtle appearance. However, that is just the beginning. Additional advantages include:
- Minimal tooth preparation. The resin bonds directly with the tooth, meaning that we have to remove very little dentition to prepare to place the filling.
- No mercury. Silver amalgam contains mercury, which is a toxic material. Tooth-colored fillings are metal-free.
- Stable during temperature changes. Metal fillings tend to expand and contract in response to hot and cold temperatures, which can damage the surrounding tooth structure. Tooth-colored fillings do not do that.
- Dental insurance usually covers a large portion of the cost of tooth-colored fillings.
Would you like to learn more about tooth-colored fillings or our other restorative services? Contact Aveni Dental Professionals today.