Tooth-Colored Fillings in La Porte

The next time you’ve got a cavity, we’ve got good news -- there’s a better, more attractive alternative to those silver (or amalgam) fillings of the past. They’re called tooth colored fillings, and they use a natural-looking composite resin to restore teeth from decay without marring the appearance of the smile. But the benefits of tooth colored fillings go beyond the cosmetic. Let’s take a closer look at this restorative treatment option from Dr. Daniel Berquist and Dr. Joseph Ornelas at Region Dental.

What’s the Difference Between Tooth Colored Fillings and Silver Fillings?

One clear difference between the two methods for restoring teeth from decay are cosmetic: silver fillings are highly noticeable against the natural tooth enamel, while white fillings blend flawlessly with the rest of your smile. Other key differences between amalgam and composite resin include:

• Tooth-colored fillings require less removal of the natural tooth structure for placement, for a more conservative treatment overall.
• The composite resin used in tooth-colored fillings does not expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold, an occurrence common with silver fillings that weakens the tooth over time.
• Tooth-colored fillings are completely metal-free.
• Patients report less sensitivity following the placement of their tooth-colored filling.

What’s the Process for a Tooth Colored Filling?

Placing a tooth colored filling isn’t all that different from the procedure for a silver filling. It involves applying a local anesthetic to numb the area, then thoroughly removing the decay from the tooth. Once the tooth is completely clean, the composite resin will be applied to fill the cavity. It’s important that the tooth surface stays totally dry throughout the procedure to ensure the filling and tooth bond securely together. After the filling has been placed, it’s hardened with a special light, and the treatment is complete.

Should I Choose Filling Replacement?

Some patients opt to have their silver fillings replaced with white ones, either for cosmetic reasons or to prevent potential risks associated with silver fillings. Filling replacement is especially popular in patients who fear the potential risk for mercury exposure. Additionally, it can be difficult to see leaks or breaks that exist around a silver filling -- even with an x-ray. Filling replacement is a relatively simple procedure that may help you avoid potential problems later on.

Tooth Colored Fillings and Cosmetic Bonding

The same material we use for tooth colored fillings can also be used in a process we call cosmetic bonding. This fast, painless procedure is a wonderful alternative to more costly cosmetic procedures, like porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Completed in just one trip to the dentist, cosmetic bonding can improve the appearance of cracked, chipped, slightly gapped, or oddly shaped teeth.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you’d like to learn more about how tooth colored fillings can restore the health and beauty of your smile, please get in touch with the team at Region Dental. Our office is located in La Porte, IN, and we welcome patients of all ages from the surrounding communities. Request your appointment online today!