In previous generations, dentists always used silver amalgam to fill in cavities. While it was effective, it had its drawbacks, one of which was that its dark color stands out against teeth. Fortunately, a better option is available today. With tooth-colored fillings, we can provide Abington patients with seamless cavity repair. Read on below to learn more about this fast and easy way to address decay that will not compromise the beauty of your smile.
The purpose of a dental filling is to rebuild places in a tooth where its enamel has been worn away by decay. The filling stops the cavity from worsening and protects the tooth’s inner layers from infection and painful stimuli.
Tooth-colored fillings are made out of a whitish composite resin that can be shade-matched to blend in with the color of the surrounding dentition. The resin is completely metal-free, making it attractive for patients who are concerned about the use of metals in dental treatments. Composite resin has been shown to work well within the human body and is durable enough to last for several years.
Placing a tooth-colored filling is a fast and comfortable process that usually takes just one appointment. We may begin the process by numbing the portion of your mouth where we will be working. (Numbing is not always necessary if a cavity is relatively shallow.)
Next, we removed decayed tissue from inside the tooth and sanitize its interior. Then we apply the composite resin, carefully filling in the cavity. A special curing light hardens the resin in a matter of seconds. We finish the process by shaping the resin so it does not interfere with your bite and looks as natural as possible.
Some noteworthy benefits of tooth-colored fillings include: