Tooth Colored Fillings
For the longest time dentists have mainly been offering amalgam (silver colored) dental fillings but as cosmetic and environmental concerns have been raised over their use, most dentists and patients have decided to switch to composite (white colored) dental fillings.
Once the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and cleans the site of the cavity, he’ll restore the tooth damage using durable composite filling material.
Since there’s a cosmetic element involved in the restoration the dentist will make sure the filling material matches the color of the tooth so that no one would even be able to tell it’s there. This cosmetic aspect of the dental filling makes it especially important when the filling is in a prominent part of the mouth.
Composite fillings are durable and should last a long time, but as with most dental restorations they may need replacement years later.
If you have old amalgam fillings it may be worth considering having them replaced, not just for cosmetic dental purposes, but also for the sake of having a newer, sturdier fillings. During this process the dentist will also have the chance to examine the tooth under the filling for any fractures or other damage.
The white fillings require only one appointment for the restoration. During the dental appointment, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth so that the whole procedure is painless. After the dental procedure, the region may be a bit sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, but that should subside after a few days.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about composite fillings or to schedule a smile consultation with one of our dentists.