Tooth Colored Fillings

Cavities are, by far, the most common oral condition that can affect the dental health of individuals of all ages, right from childhood. They are characterized by the decay of the enamel, causing small holes on the teeth due to the erosion of the enamel. Over time, these holes could enlarge and eventually progress to the central root canal cavity. This can cause a very serious oral condition called root canal infection, which may cost you your tooth. Hence, dentists always suggest their patients get cavities restored using tooth-colored fillings to save their teeth from extraction.

What are fillings?

Fillings are dental restorations that are used to restore teeth that are infected by cavities. There are several types of fillings that can be categorized based on the material used to fabricate them. They are made from ceramic, amalgam, silver, composite resin, etc. A few years ago, metal fillings, especially amalgam fillings, were the most widely used ones. However, they pose several disadvantages, due to which their use has been reduced significantly in recent days.

Tooth-colored fillings are being used to restore teeth infected due to cavities. They are made from a composite resin that can be customized to perfectly mimic the color of natural teeth. Physical aspects such as color, texture, translucency, contour, etc. can be customized to make the filling as life-like as possible. Anyone who looks at the tooth wouldn't be able to distinguish it.

Advantages of choosing tooth-colored fillings

• Tooth-colored fillings are made from a biocompatible composite resin that is readily accepted by the tissues of the mouth. It wouldn't cause any sort of allergic reactions or infections.
• Fillings are aesthetically pleasing. Their appearance can be perfectly matched with the natural teeth, making them the most preferred filling material out of all the available options.
• Tooth-colored composite fillings offer excellent sealing properties. They entirely cover the cavity and prevent reinfection.
• Composite fillings are highly durable and tough. They do not wear or chip easily and behave similarly to the natural tooth enamel.

Procedure

When you visit our practice for dental fillings, we would conduct a thorough visual screening process to determine the severity of the cavity. A scaling appliance will be used to remove the decay and scrub the walls of the cavity. This ensures the decayed enamel and dentin are removed along with the microbes. A jet of water will be used to wash away the debris once the cavity is cleaned.

The filling will be prepared by matching it with the color of your enamel. Next, it will be applied to the cavity and shaped accordingly so that the original shape of the tooth is restored. It will be hardened using a curing light and any excess material may be trimmed off carefully by the dentist. It may be polished later to enhance the appearance and make it appear as realistic as possible.

We serve the area of San Mateo and Burlingame Terrace. To schedule an appointment, call us at (650) 348-5424, and we will be happy to help.