Tooth-Colored fillings – Altamonte Springs, FL
The Aesthetically Pleasing Treatment for Cavities
Back in the day, treating cavities meant drawing attention to them. Using the latest techniques and technology in dentistry, we’re able to repair the strength, size, and structure of decayed teeth in a way that’s safer and more durable for our patients. With timely intervention and reliable treatment, we keep cavities from wreaking havoc on your mouth. We also don’t let your dental treatment ruin the appearance of your smile, which is why we use tooth-colored fillings from our Altamonte Springs, FL dentist instead of amalgam ones.
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Throughout the 1900s, amalgam fillings were used to treat cavities. They’re made from a metal compound containing mercury, silver, tin, and copper, making them darker in color and highly noticeable when you talk or laugh. Today, the dental world has moved away from this metallic filling towards a less-noticeable and safer option. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a biocompatible composite resin that contains fine particles of plastic and glass. It can chemically bond to damaged teeth and the shade of the resin can be custom-matched to the rest of your teeth. Because it can chemically bond with the existing tooth structure, it offers several benefits that amalgam fillings cannot.
What are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
One of the most attractive benefits of tooth-colored fillings in Altamonte Springs for patients is that they blend in with your mouth and offer attractive and virtually unnoticeable results. They have more to offer than that, though. Fillings made from composite resin:
- Preserve more of your natural tooth. The metal used in amalgam fillings doesn’t bond well with natural tooth enamel. In order to place them, more of the existing structure of your damaged tooth needs to be removed to ensure that the filling will be secure. Because composite resin is biocompatible, less preparation of your natural tooth is required.
- Is less sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Since composite can bond directly to your natural tooth, it is more effective at blocking off the nerves inside of it, preventing sensitivity to hot, cold, and sour drinks and foods.
- Offers better protection from decay. With a stronger bond, the fragile inner portion of your tooth will be better protected from harmful oral bacteria, preventing infections from developing.
How are Fillings Placed?
When we treat a cavity in Altamonte Springs, we do our best to make the process quick and painless so you don’t have to sit in our treatment room for too long. One of our dentists at Distinctive Dentistry on Maitland will numb the area around the damaged tooth and remove any loose debris. After cleaning and sanitizing the area, they’ll use a special shade chart to match the color of the composite resin with your natural tooth enamel. They’ll fill the decayed area with the substance and use an ultraviolet light to cure the resin and completely seal the inner portion of the tooth off. Our dentists will check to make sure your bite feels comfortable and make any final necessary adjustments before a final polishing.
How Can You Make Your Filling Last?
Making your tooth-colored filling last is fairly easy. Be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing daily. Also, remember to schedule your checkups and cleanings every six months with one of our dentists. That way, we’ll be able to make sure your filling is secure and doing its job and make any necessary repairs. Some additional ways to protect your filled tooth include:
- Using antibacterial mouthwash daily.
- Limiting your intake of sugar and carbohydrates.
- Drinking plenty of water.
If your filling falls out or your damaged tooth becomes sensitive or aches, be sure to contact our dental office immediately. We offer emergency dental services and do everything we can to see you as soon as possible.