Tooth-Colored Fillings – Newington, CT
Seamless, Aesthetically Pleasing Cavity Repair
For many years, dentists mainly used silver amalgam — a mix of mercury and other metals — to repair cavities. While such amalgam is strong, it comes with some significant disadvantages, one of which is its dark color. It can make it obvious that you have had a bit of dental work done on your teeth. We do not want our patients to feel self-conscious about their smiles, which is why we are proud to offer tooth-colored fillings. This remarkable restorative and cosmetic treatment fills in cavities without having a negative impact on the teeth’s appearance.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Instead of being made out of metals, tooth-colored fillings are composed of a light-colored resin. The resin contains plastic and silica fibers. It is biocompatible, which means that it works well with human physiology. It is the same material that we use for cosmetic dental bonding, and it can be shade-matched to blend in with the color of the dentition around it.
How Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Work?
The process of placing a tooth-colored filling is fairly simple and quick. First, if necessary, we use local anesthesia to numb the area where we will be working. Then, your dentist prepares the tooth by removing decayed tissue. Once that is done, the resin is inserted into the tooth, and a special curing light hardens it in a matter of seconds. Finally, your dentist adjusts the filling so it looks as natural as possible and so it will not interfere with your bite.
Do I Need a Tooth-Colored Filling?
You may benefit from a tooth-colored filling if you notice any signs or symptoms of decay in your teeth. For example, if a tooth is particularly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures or tends to ache, it is possible that you have a cavity. You might also notice that one of your teeth has a visible new pit in it. Of course, dental decay is not always obvious; in some cases, it is present without causing any symptoms. That is why regular dental checkups are so important.
Tooth-colored fillings are not suitable only for new cases of decay. They can also be used to replace old fillings that have fallen out or that have lost some of their effectiveness. We are also happy to discuss the possibility of replacing metal fillings solely for aesthetic purposes.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Some of the most outstanding benefits of tooth-colored fillings include:
- They blend in seamlessly with the enamel around them
- They are less likely to cause increased dental sensitivity than metal fillings
- They are completely mercury-free
- They are durable and may last for 5 years or longer
- They require less tooth preparation than metal fillings
- They bond with the nearby tooth structure, which means that they provide a very high level of protection against new decay
Would you like to learn more about tooth-colored fillings in Newington, or do you believe you need one? Contact our friendly team today. We are ready and eager to assist you!