Tooth-Colored Fillings – Dallas, TX

In the past, dentists’ only treatment option for cavities were amalgam, or metal fillings. That meant drawing attention to damaged teeth, making patients self-conscious when they smile and laugh. At Dallas Esthetics, we use the latest dental technology to optimize our patients’ oral health and help them maintain beautiful smiles. That’s why we treat cavities using natural-looking tooth-colored fillings. We won’t let dental treatments ruin the appearance of your grin and wear on your confidence.

What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

During the 1900s, metal fillings were predominately used to treat cavities. They were a metal compound comprised of materials including silver, tin, mercury, and copper, making them appear darker in color and noticeable next to natural, undamaged teeth.

With the latest advancements in the dental world, many professionals have moved away from this metallic treatment towards a less-noticeable and safer option for patients. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a strong, customizable, biocompatible material called composite resin. It’s made of fine particles of plastic and glass and is able to chemically bond with your natural enamel for a more durable bond.

What are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?

The predominate benefit of tooth-colored fillings in Dallas is that you no longer have to sacrifice your aesthetically pleasing smile to maintain your oral health. They blend perfectly with your natural teeth and are virtually unnoticeable. That way, you can smile and speak with complete confidence knowing that nobody will be focusing on your damaged tooth. Some other benefits that you’ll be able to enjoy include:

• Minimal Preparation of Your Natural Tooth is Required: The metal compound used in amalgam fillings isn’t biocompatible, meaning more of your natural tooth needs to be altered in order for the filling to be securely placed. Composite resin offers a strong bond with little to no preparation of your natural tooth necessary.
• Less Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Temperatures: Because composite resin offers a stronger bond with your natural tooth, it’s more effective at protecting the thousands of nerves inside of it, preventing extreme sensitivity.
• Better Protection Against Decay: The biocompatibility of composite resin keeps the fragile inner portion of your tooth better protected from the threat of infection.

How are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?

At Dallas Esthetics, we treat cavities as soon as we spot them to keep them from progressing into problems that are more severe. We do our best to make the filling placement as fast and pain-free as possible. One of our dentists will numb the damaged area (if necessary) before removing any loose debris and decay from your tooth. Next, we’ll clean and sanitize the area to ensure that no additional damage will be caused by harmful oral bacteria after we seal it off.

Using a special color-matching chart, we’ll choose the shade of composite resin that is the closest to your natural enamel. After filling the cavity with it, we’ll cure the resin using an ultraviolet light. This will seal off the inner chamber of your tooth to protect it from harmful substances in your mouth. Finally, we’ll check your bite and make any final adjustments, so you’ll be able to leave with a happy and healthy smile.

How Should You Care For Your Filling?

Extending the lifespan of your tooth-colored filling isn’t difficult. Just be sure to brush twice each day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris from your teeth and gumline. Some other ways you can protect your treated tooth and extend the lifespan of your filling include:

• Visiting Dallas Esthetics every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
• Staying hydrated with water.
• Maintaining a nutritious diet.
• Using antibacterial mouthwash regularly.

If you have any questions about your feeling or you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, be sure to contact our office immediately. We offer emergency dental care and will give you first-aid guidance over the phone to help ease your discomfort.