A tooth-colored filling, also known as a composite filling, is used to restore small to medium areas of decay. Tooth-colored fillings are made of a resin material that is colored to match the natural color of your teeth. They can be placed in both the front and back of the mouth since they are both strong and aesthetic. In some cases, tooth-colored fillings can also be used to repair minor chips and cracks in the tooth enamel. Overall, tooth colored fillings offer many benefits over traditional amalgam fillings, which is why Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry uses them to restore decayed teeth.
Did You Know?
Tooth-colored fillings are made from a dental material known as composite resin. Composite resin is able to bond directly to the tooth enamel, which means there is less preparation that needs to be done. The result is that tooth-colored fillings preserve more of the natural tooth structure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for a tooth-colored filling?
You may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling if you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling. However, tooth-colored fillings work best for small to medium areas. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for a tooth-colored filling, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry today.
What can I expect when having a composite filling placed at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry?
When having a composite filling placed at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry, you can expect our skilled dentist to apply a local anesthetic to the affected tooth or teeth so that you’ll feel no pain during the procedure. Once your tooth is numb, our expert dentist will remove any decayed material. The remaining cavity will be filled with composite resin. Since composite resin works best when applied in thin layers, you can expect your dentist to place a layer and then harden it in place with a special curing light before placing the next layer. In most cases, it takes about 3 layers and the final layer will be polished and shaped.
What can I expect after having a tooth-colored filling placed?
After having a tooth-colored filling placed, you can expect to return to your usual routine. You will not need to follow any special instructions since your filling was hardened in placed during your appointment. In some cases, you may experience some minor tooth sensitivity while your tooth adjusts to the new filling. This should only last a few days, and any sensitivity lasting longer warrants a call to our office.