(317) 898-3384 8602 E. 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46219

Tooth-Colored Fillings – Indianapolis, IN

Seamlessly Repairing Decayed Teeth

Woman with sunglasses smiling outside in city

The vast majority of adults will have a cavity at some point in their lives. Since a decayed tooth can’t repair itself, you will need a dental expert to treat the damage. At Indianapolis Family Dentistry, Dr. Farthing and Dr. Tepner can revitalize the health of teeth suffering from cavities with tooth-colored fillings that are far more natural-looking than traditional amalgam. Give us a call if you suspect that you may need a filling soon.

Why Choose Indianapolis Family Dentistry for Tooth-Colored Fillings?

What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Illustration of tooth with a tooth-colored filling in Indianapolis, IN

A dental filling is used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. In the past, fillings were typically made out of dark-colored metals. Today, though, many patients prefer restorations that won’t create eye-catching dark spots in their smiles. The tooth-colored fillings that we provide are made out of composite resin, which is a material that can be shaded to match the enamel around it. With this type of filling, you can once again enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile.

The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling

Male dental patient sitting in dental chair with mirror

Having a tooth-colored filling placed is a relatively simple procedure. In fact, it shouldn’t take more than one appointment in most cases.

Before you can receive the actual filling, we will use a local anesthetic to numb the area of your mouth where the treatment will be performed. Then the decayed part of your enamel will need to be removed before we sanitize the area.

Once the necessary preparations are complete, the composite resin will be applied. A number of layers will be used in order to completely fill the area. The material can be hardened in seconds with an ultraviolet curing light.

After the final layer has been completed, we will perform any necessary sculpting and reshaping to give your filling the most natural appearance possible. The last step before you can head home with your new restoration is to give the tooth a thorough polishing.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Smiling woman smiling and sitting in yellow chair

Why do so many dentists and patients currently prefer composite resin fillings over traditional ones made out of metal amalgam? The most obvious answer, of course, is that composite resin is a much more aesthetically pleasing option. The material can blend in with the rest of your smile so seamlessly that most people won’t even realize that it’s there.

That being said, tooth-colored fillings have more to offer than just an attractive appearance. They can also provide the following benefits:

  • Safer for the Tooth: Unlike metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings don’t change size when exposed to temperature changes. As such, you don’t need to worry about your tooth being damaged by your filling contracting or expanding.
  • Preserve More Enamel: Not as much enamel needs to be removed to make room for a tooth-colored filling, allowing you to keep more of the natural dental structure.
  • Durability: While the lifespan of a tooth-colored filling isn’t set in stone, you’ll often be able to keep it for around 7 to 10 years (assuming that you’re practicing good oral care).
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