Tooth-Colored Fillings – Flint, MI
Treating Cavities & Restoring Your Pearly Whites
Have you ever seen someone with a metal filling? This used to be the only way to treat cavities in the past. However, with modern dental technology, our team at Healthy Smiles Dental Care can repair your pearly whites with tooth-colored fillings instead! Not only will this restore your pearly whites, but you’ll be free to show off a smile that looks and feels completely natural. Keep reading to learn more about this restorative treatment, or give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
Why Choose Healthy Smiles Dental Care for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Lifelike & Durable Dental Materials
- Sedation Dentistry for Optimal Comfort
- Highly Experienced & Caring Dental Staff
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In the past, dentists used to repair cavities with amalgam to restore a tooth. Today, dentists can use tooth-colored composite resin to fix the situation. This method is considered more effective, safer, and better looking when restoring a tooth affected by decay. Since the material is biocompatible, it typically bonds seamlessly with your natural pearly whites, meaning you can expect a long-lasting solution while maintaining the natural look and function of your teeth. These fillings are also specifically color-matched to fit the rest of your smile, so most people won’t even be able to tell the difference!
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
Tooth-colored fillings can often be placed in only a single appointment. The first step is to completely numb the area of your mouth that your dentist will be working on with a local anesthetic. This means you won’t expect to feel much pain throughout your visit. Once your dentist has confirmed that you’re comfortable and safe, they’ll remove the decayed parts of your tooth. They’ll then select a color of composite resin that will blend well with your tooth, apply it, and then mold it to the proper shape and size. The final steps involve making small adjustments and polishing the results before sending you on your way to enjoy your restored tooth.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Repairing a decayed tooth with tooth-colored fillings comes with many advantages, such as:
- Natural tooth preservation: To repair a tooth with metal fillings, you’ll typically need to have more of the tooth enamel to be removed. Composite resin, however, is biocompatible, so we’ll be able to save the majority of your natural tooth in the process.
- Long-lasting results: Tooth-colored fillings, if properly cared for, can go as far as 10 years or more before needing to get replacements.
- Reduced sensitivity: Though metal fillings are durable and long-lasting, they aren’t always effective at blocking the inner nerves. This means you may have an increased chance of sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures. Composite resin provides a more efficient barrier for shielding the nerves, meaning less sensitivity.
- Mercury-free solution: Metal fillings consist of a tiny amount of mercury which is hazardous to humans. Though this may not be dangerous for patients, many prefer to significantly lower their risks by opting for a metal-free option.
- Natural appearance: Due to their ability to perfectly match the rest of your smile, tooth-colored fillings allow you to enjoy a more natural look in the long run.