No one wants to hear their dentist say that dreaded phrase: you have a cavity. We know having cavities are never fun, and they are one of the most common tooth decay issues your dentist can detect during your visit. However, treating this kind of damage today have never been easier. Tooth-colored fillings are a discrete, strong, and technologically advanced choice to seal and treat tooth decay. Read more to learn why tooth-colored fillings are the best option for you!
What Are Tooth Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are long-lasting, safe, and reliable. They are made of composite resin that can easily be blended to match your natural enamel color. If you get embarrassed by your tooth decay or even the dark amalgam fillings you already have, tooth-colored fillings are a great option for you. They can be used to fill cavities, cracks, or fractures in the tooth that can be harmful to your oral health.
What Is The Tooth Filling Process and Why is it Important?
Fillings are used to seal and protect areas on your teeth with heavy tooth decay. When receiving a filling, your mouth will be numbed so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Your dentist will then remove all the debris in the area of decay, and fill and seal it with your choice of tooth filling material.
This restorative process protects you and your teeth from dental problems that are much worse than cavities. If cavities aren’t filled, the root of your tooth can become infected which means you will need a root canal. If you leave a cavity in place for too long, the harmful bacteria could grow and grow until an extraction becomes necessary.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings Are The Best
There are a few tooth filling options, but here’s how tooth-colored fillings set themselves apart from the rest:
- As mentioned above, the composite resin that makes up tooth-colored fillings can easily blend to match your tooth color giving you a discrete and natural looking.
- Sometimes other healthy teeth around the cavity have to be cut down in order to hold the metal filling in place, but composite resin bonds with your teeth immediately and does not require undercutting of other teeth. This can lead to better, longer lasting tooth restoration, and maintains your natural tooth structure.
- In addition, composite resins are insulated against temperature change so there won’t be any discomfort if you eat something really cold then really hot or vice versa.
- Last but not least, composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings last just as long as their metal and amalgam counterparts.
Now that you know the advantages to tooth-colored fillings and why getting your teeth filled is so important, you’re one step closer to achieving the smile and oral health you deserve.
Meet The Dentist
Dr. Mark Farthing opened Indianapolis Family Dentistry in 1985, where he has been caring for patients ever since. He is continuing his dental education through advanced studies and remains up to date on the latest technologies used in dentistry. He is ready to help with your tooth filling needs and can be reached by phone at (317) 898-3384.