Tooth-Colored Fillings

A Safe & Natural-Looking Solution to Dental Cavities

Considering getting some new fillings? Not keen on the idea of having a mouth full of ugly gray metal? Tooth-colored fillings can be used to repair cavities while closely matching the natural color of your teeth.

White fillings are made of a composite resin which is completely non-toxic and almost as strong as natural teeth. This resin is chemically bonded to the tooth to fill in the cavity and protect the sensitive internal parts of the tooth. Tooth-colored fillings can last for many years, preventing decay from spreading without compromising the naturally white appearance of your smile.

Treating Cavities with Dental Fillings

Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars in food, releasing acid waste which eats away at the protective enamel coating that covers your teeth. Cavities that are left untreated gradually become deeper, allowing decay to spread to deeper parts of the tooth, which eventually leads to toothache and the need for more invasive procedures to save the tooth.

Traditionally, dental cavities have been treated using metal amalgam fillings. However, some experts warn that the mercury in amalgam fillings could leak out and cause health problems. White non-metal fillings are mercury free, so there is no risk of toxic metals affecting your health.
Amalgam fillings also require some healthy parts of the tooth to be drilled out in order to fix the metal in place. For these reasons, as well as the fact that amalgam fillings are a dark gray color that is very noticeable against natural white teeth, many patients today prefer to have white non-metal fillings instead.


Getting Tooth-Colored Fillings 

Tooth-colored fillings can be fitted quickly and painlessly in your dentist's office. If the decay has broken through the enamel and reached the sensitive inner part of the tooth, you will need a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure.

The dentist will first remove the decayed part of the tooth and then apply a primer, which helps the composite to bond to the tooth's surface. A bonding agent is then used to firmly attach the white filling to the tooth. Once the filling material has been molded into shape, it is hardened using a special light.

Your dentist will check that the filling does not affect your bite or ability to floss between your teeth, and make adjustments as necessary. You can go home immediately after the appointment and generally you won't feel any pain, although part of your mouth will be numb for a few hours if you had a local anesthetic.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings 

Tooth-colored fillings are a long-lasting solution to dental cavities. The first dental composites weren't as strong as amalgam, but technological improvements mean that white fillings today can now last for years or decades before needing repair.

For many people, particularly those who have cavities in their front teeth, the most important benefit of tooth-colored fillings is their natural appearance. The white color of composite fillings allows you to have your cavities fixed without changing the appearance of your teeth in any noticeable way.

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Dallas, TX 

Our Dallas dentists have many years of experience of placing tooth-colored fillings in all types of cavities. Whether you need treatment for your front or back teeth, or you want amalgams replaced with white non-metal fillings, book an appointment today to discuss your treatment needs and options with one of our friendly and highly trained dentists.
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Dallas dentists Dr. Jeffrey Jones and Dr. Joan Chamberlain offer their patients the convenience of exceptional dentistry at two Dallas locations. Using the latest in modern dental technology, our dentists provide complete general, cosmetic and restorative dental care. And in addition, all your dental treatments will be performed in-office by our own team of caring, competent professionals. You'll never need another dentist. Visit perfectgrin.com for details and to make an appointment.