For decades, when the dentist told you that you have a cavity, it essentially doomed your smile. You had to get a piece of noticeable metal placed in your tooth, where everyone could tell you’d had a cavity. Thanks to modern advancements in dental technology, that is no longer the case. These days, we can fill your cavities with a composite resin that’s custom-shaded to blend in with your enamel. Not only are tooth-colored fillings in St. Albans able to mimic the rest of your smile, but they’re significantly safer as well. When Dr. Aten, Dr. Davico, or Dr. Cone lets you know that you have a cavity, rest assured they’ll be able to treat it without marring your beautiful grin.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Made From?
Tooth-colored fillings consist of a malleable, putty-like compound called composite resin. It’s made of fine particles of acrylic and glass and can quickly be hardened using a special ultraviolet light. This material is not only incredibly biocompatible, but it’s also durable and easy to maintain. During your appointment, our team will use a shade guide to determine the exact color your fillings need to be in order to blend in with the rest of your smile.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Metal Fillings
One reason tooth-colored fillings have exploded in popularity over traditional metal fillings is their ability to be virtually undetectable once they’re in place. However, they offer more than just aesthetic benefits. Some of their other advantages include:
- More conservative treatment. Because metal fillings don’t bond with enamel, more of your natural tooth structure had to be removed to make room for them. Composite resin, on the other hand, forms a direct bond with your tooth, requiring less, if any, enamel removal.
- Less sensitivity. Metal fillings notoriously expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold stimuli. They also fail to block the tooth’s nerves and prevent them from getting irritated by these temperatures. Composite resin fillings protect the sensitive inner portion of your tooth from this discomfort.
- Protection against future decay. Tooth-colored fillings create a tight bond with your tooth, sealing out bacteria that could cause cavities down the road.
How Are These Fillings Placed?
First things first, your dentist in St. Albans will make sure you’re comfortable before beginning the procedure. Then, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. Any debris is removed, and the tooth is thoroughly sanitized. We’ll use a shade guide to determine the exact color the resin should be and then fill the cavity with the material. Once the tooth is built up to perfection, we harden it into place with a UV curing light. Lastly, we make sure the filling fits within your bite before sending you on your way.
Caring for Your Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings don’t require much special aftercare to prolong their lifespan. Simply remember to brush and floss daily and schedule a checkup with us every six months. Some other steps you can take to keep your fillings in good shape include:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Rinse with mouthwash at least once a day.
- Limit your consumption of sugars and carbohydrates.
If you have one tooth that’s particularly sensitive, you could have a cavity, or an old filling may have fallen out and needs to be replaced. In either case, contact St. Albans Dental immediately. We can’t wait to heal your smile!
