Tooth-Colored Fillings Carrollton
Filling in Cavities, Improving Oral Health
In the past, amalgam was commonly used to fill cavities. Amalgam is known to leave a dark, silvery blob on your teeth. Luckily, at DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton, we utilize the most advanced technology and materials that the industry has to offer, and that includes a more effective material for restoring teeth affected by tooth decay—tooth-colored fillings. As the name implies, this type of filling matches the shade of your enamel, practically disappearing. Let us know if you think you might have a cavity that needs to be filled and are looking for a more natural-looking solution in Carrollton.
Why Choose DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Composite Resin is Color-Matched to Patients’ Smiles
- Dental Savings Plan Available for Uninsured Individuals
- Treatment Completed in One Visit
What is Tooth-Colored Fillings Made Of?
Tooth-colored fillings consist of a metal-free substance called composite resin, which is a combination of dental plastic and fine ceramic particles. Unlike amalgam—a compound of mercury, silver, copper, and tin—composite resin is a biocompatible, flexible material, meaning that it bonds well with your natural tooth structure. Plus, it comes in several shades that can blend in easily against the color of your teeth, so others won’t even know that you had a cavity there in the first place.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
The most obvious advantage to using composite resin over amalgam fillings is the more aesthetic look. But in addition to this, tooth-colored fillings offer so many more benefits, including the following:
- A less healthy structure needs to be removed to make the filling stay in place, preserving the natural tooth for longer.
- The tight bond between composite resin and your tooth more effectively keeps out bacteria in the long run.
- The metal-free materials help reduce sensitivity to hot and cold sensations.
- Tooth-colored fillings provide better support and strength for the natural structure.
Placing Tooth-Colored Fillings
Typically, it takes just one appointment to get tooth-colored fillings into position. Here is how the process usually goes:
- When Dr. Durga identifies tooth decay, she administers a local anesthetic so that you won’t feel anything.
- She removes the infected portions of your tooth, leaving only clean, healthy tooth structure behind.
- Then, we choose the appropriate shade of composite resin so that it blends in seamlessly.
- We apply the putty-like substance to your teeth and sculpt it into a shape that resembles your tooth.
- A curing light makes the resin harden more quickly.
- Finally, Dr. Durga makes any necessary final adjustments, such as ensuring that your bite feels completely comfortable.
It’s really that simple!
Caring for Your Tooth-Colored Fillings
Like all other dental work, your tooth-colored fillings won’t last forever. However, you can prolong their lifespan by taking care of your fillings and natural teeth. The good news is that they require the same maintenance, including brushing and flossing daily and coming to see us twice every year. For extra protection against bacteria and tooth decay, you can also use fluoride toothpaste, rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash, consume less sugar, and drink more water.
With tooth-colored fillings, a cavity doesn’t have to mean the end of your appealing smile. That’s why we turn to valuable solutions that keep your smile healthy and beautiful for many years to come. We invite you to see for yourself the difference we can make in your dental experience. Contact us to make an appointment today!