Did you know that there is an alternative to unsightly metal dental work? White restorations have become very popular in recent years for the natural appearance they offer. Tooth-colored fillings make for excellent restorations on teeth with small areas of decay. A tooth-colored filling is made from a tintable and biocompatible material that seamlessly blends into natural tooth structure.
Our dentist offers tooth-colored fillings for patients in need of treatment for minor tooth decay.
The Basics on Fillings
A filling is a small, conservative restoration used to fill in the depression left behind by decay. Fillings are bonded directly to tooth structure and since they are constructed from durable materials, they provide reinforcement to a damaged tooth.
Conventionally, fillings were made from amalgam – a material made up of a mixture of metals. While amalgam successfully treated tooth decay for decades, there is a metal-free alternative that will not negatively impact the aesthetics of a smile.
Tooth-colored fillings are made from a material called “composite resin.” This material is comprised of a mixture of glass and plastic. Composite resin can be tinted, which allows our dentist the ability to place restorations that are practically indistinguishable from biological tooth structure. Composite resin also bonds to the chemical surface of teeth better than amalgam. This means that less tooth preparation is required in many treatment cases.
How Tooth-Colored Fillings are Placed
Placing a composite resin filling is similar to placing a traditional metal filling. First, the tooth is prepared and cleaned. Rubber dam will be placed around the tooth being treated to ensure that it stays dry. Then, we will apply the composite resin compound in liquid form. Once the appropriate amount of filling material is placed, it is hardened with a curing light to secure it in place.
Receiving a tooth-colored filling is minimally invasive and normally only requires a local anesthetic to maintain comfort during treatment.
Call us at the office of Dr. Daggula for questions about our services or to reserve an appointment.
