Tooth-Colored Fillings – Allen, TX
The Subtle Way to Treat Tooth Decay
In the past, dentists almost always used silver amalgam fillings to address tooth decay. While the amalgam proved to be effective for generations of patients, it has some significant downsides. One of those downsides is its dark color, which clashes with that of the enamel around it. Today, a more aesthetically pleasing alternative has come into popular use: tooth-colored fillings. This restorative treatment not only looks better than its old-fashioned metal counterpart, but it is also better for your teeth.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are sometimes called composite fillings or composite resin fillings because they are made of a composite, or mixture, of plastic resins and silica fillers. The material is very biocompatible, which means that it works well with the human body. These fillings are made of the same material as cosmetic dental bonding. They can be shade-matched to blend in perfectly with the surrounding dentition.
What Happens During the Treatment?
The process for placing a tooth-colored filling begins with Dr. Kar, your dentist in Allen, and our team making sure that you are comfortable. Often, we numb the tooth that will receive a filling, but that is not always necessary if the cavity has not yet penetrated to the deeper layers of a tooth.
Next, Dr. Kar prepares the tooth by removing decayed tissue. Then, he places the composite resin into the cavity. We use a special light to harden the filling in a matter of seconds. To finish the process, Dr. Kar adjusts the filling so it will not interfere with your natural bite.
Appointments for tooth-colored fillings usually last less than one hour. After the procedure, you will not be required to take any special precautions when you eat and drink. However, it is possible that you will temporarily experience increased dental sensitivity. That should wear off within a few days.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Of course, the most obvious advantage of tooth-colored fillings in Allen is their appearance. They blend in so well with the surrounding dentition that onlookers are very unlikely to notice them. No more dark spots in your smile! The perks of tooth-colored fillings do not stop there, however. Additional benefits include:
- No staining. Silver amalgam fillings can cause permanent stains on the surrounding dental structure, but that is not a risk with tooth-colored fillings.
- Less tooth preparation. Silver amalgam just sits in a dental cavity, which means that a dentist may have to remove some healthy tooth structure to ensure that an amalgam filling will remain secure in a patient’s tooth. Composite resin bonds directly with the tooth structure, which means that much less tooth modification is necessary.
- No mercury. Silver amalgam fillings are approximately 50 percent mercury, which is known for its high level of toxicity. Composite resin fillings are completely metal-free.
- No prolonged increase in sensitivity. Metal fillings may permanently increase a tooth’s sensitivity to hot and cold substances. Composite resin fillings do not have this problem.
Do you suspect that you need to have a cavity filled? Get in touch with us today to request an appointment. We can repair your smile with a beautiful and strong tooth-colored restoration.