You’re at the dentist when you learn that you have a cavity that needs to be filled. You may be concerned at first that the filling will leave an unsightly dark spot in your smile. But it won’t happen! In most Houston dental offices, including Forestwood Dental, tooth-colored fillings have largely replaced dark metal fillings as the primary method of cavity treatment. In this blog post, we’ll go over tooth-colored fillings and some of their best features.
They look natural
Tooth-colored fillings, as the name implies, are the same color as natural tooth enamel. Your dentist will even shade-match your filling to match the exact color of your pearly whites. They are virtually imperceptible to onlookers, whether you are yawning, laughing, or conversing with friends.
The procedure is quick
A tooth-colored filling is typically placed in less than an hour. First, your dental team ensures that you are at ease. This frequently entails injecting local anesthesia into the tooth. The decay is then removed from inside the tooth, the filling material is inserted, and the filling is hardened with a special curing light. The final step in the procedure is to shape and polish the filling so that it does not interfere with your bite. After your appointment, you will be able to eat and drink normally.
They have withstood the test of time
Tooth-colored fillings are extremely long-lasting. They have the potential to last for ten years or more if properly cared for. What exactly is proper care? Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, see your dentist every six months for a routine checkup, and avoid chewing on any hard objects (such as pen caps or ice) that could damage or dislodge your filling.
They are conservative
Metal fillings are simply placed inside a cavity. That means that in order to place them, a dentist must often remove some healthy tooth structure in order for the filling to be secure in place. Fillings that are tooth-colored are distinct. They actually bond with the surrounding dentition, allowing your dentist to keep as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible.
They are free of mercury
Many patients are concerned about the presence of mercury in metal fillings. That’s understandable given that mercury is known to be extremely toxic! Tooth-colored fillings contain no mercury and can help you feel good about what you’re putting in your body.
Tooth-colored fillings are a remarkable, modern dental treatment that can keep your smile looking and functioning beautifully.