Tooth-Colored Fillings

Services

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings can repair teeth weakened by decay. These restorations are composed of high-quality composite resin, which can be shade-matched to emulate your natural enamel. Many patients elect to have old or worn amalgam fillings replaced with composite material to achieve more aesthetically pleasing results.

Understanding the Structure of Teeth

Teeth are made of several layers. The outer portion of the tooth is composed of enamel, which is considered one of the strongest tissues in the body. Enamel protects the more sensitive underlying layers, including dentin and the inner pulp chamber.

What is a Cavity?

Who Is Susceptible to Cavities?

Both children and adults are vulnerable to cavities. The enamel of primary teeth is softer than that of adult teeth, making these teeth more susceptible to decay. In addition, deep decay can spread from baby teeth to permanent teeth growing beneath the gums.

Tooth colored fillings are made from composite resin, a special compound of ceramic and plastic that closely mimics the shade and translucency of enamel.

With age, teeth can become worn down. Daily chewing, grinding, and biting can wear away at the enamel and result in small chips or fractures. These fissures can harbor bacteria. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 92 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have at least one cavity.

Do You Have a Cavity?

In their initial stages, cavities do not often present with noticeable symptoms. If you have more advanced stages of decay, you may notice:

Visible pits or holes in teeth
Brown, black, or white spots on enamel
Pain when consuming anything hot or cold
Difficulty chewing or biting down
Sporadic or chronic tooth pain

Your dentist is able to identify and treat cavities in their earliest stages. As a result, it is incredibly important to schedule biannual checkups, so your dentist can help you maintain a healthy smile.

Treatable Cases

When decay is mild to moderate, a dental filling can generally restore the structural integrity of a tooth. More extensive cavities may require an inlay or onlay, which can repair a larger area. If decay is left unaddressed, it can penetrate the underlying layers of the tooth. When a cavity reaches the pulp, root canal therapy may be the only way to salvage the tooth and avoid extraction. A dental crown can then restore the remaining structure and function of the tooth.

Comparing Composite to Amalgam

Composite material is color-matched to blend with the shade of your natural teeth.

Tooth Colored Filings vs. Amalgam Fillings

Traditionally, dentists used amalgam fillings to repair compromised teeth. These restorations are comprised of a mixture of metals, including tin, silver, copper, and mercury. However, with the advent of composite resin the 1980s, tooth-colored fillings became the preferred method of treatment. Tooth colored fillings are made from composite resin, a special compound of ceramic and plastic that closely mimics the shade and translucency of enamel. These restorations provide more realistic results and offer the added benefit of stability. Unlike amalgam, which contracts and expands with temperature fluctuations, composite resin consistently maintains its shape. It also requires less enamel removal, so you can preserve the structural integrity of your smile.

Steps Included with Tooth Colored Fillings

Dental fillings can be often be placed on the same day as your examination. To determine the extent of decay, your dentist can take x-rays of your teeth. These images will be used to plan treatment. Typically, you can expect:

Anesthesia: Before treatment begins, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. Patients who suffer from dental anxiety may benefit from stronger forms of sedation.
Tooth preparation: Once you are comfortable, the dentist can remove unhealthy bacteria and damaged tissue.
Composite resin application: The dentist can carefully mix the composite resin material to ensure it blends seamlessly with the color of your tooth. The dentist can then apply the material in layers for maximum strength and shine a special curing light to harden the resin in place. Application requires a delicate technique and a keen eye for detail.
Tooth reshaping and polishing: Once the composite resin is hardened, the dentist will check for proper occlusion. Any excess resin will be trimmed and the tooth polished to reveal your new and improved smile.

With proper care, composite resin fillings can last for several years.

Cary Prosthodontics

Cary Prosthodontics was founded in 1991 to provide the finest care to residents of Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, and surrounding areas. Our compassionate and caring prosthodontists are members of a number of professional associations, including:

American College of Prosthodontics (ACP)
Academy of Osseointegration (AO)
International Team for Implantology (ITI)

For more information about our services, contact our practice online or call (919) 858-8193 to speak to a member of our team today.

Visit Our Top-Rated Office

Are you looking for a dental practice you can trust to provide high-quality care? Our office is regularly rated five stars for the professional and friendly care we provide to our patients. To meet with one of our dentists and start your dental crown process, fill out our online form to request your consultation. You can also contact us by calling our office, serving Cary and Raleigh, NC, at:

The Proof is in Our patients

Staff is professional but caring, more so than other medical offices I’ve been to. When you walk in they actually greet you by name. They remember details of your previous visits, which speaks to a great office staff. And Dr. Lim does his best to see that you have a good outcome. Thanks to all!

Was treated with so much respect from the Dr. and staff. I’m a very nervous person when it comes to having dental work done I can’t help it, but they made feel so comfortable so easy to explain to let them know why I was there. I couldn’t wait to tell my family and friends. Thanks

Yet again, an EXCELLENT visit with Dr Koffard. The staff are so thoughtful and welcoming, professional and knowledgeable and I really appreciate the lightness of the spirit in the entire office; not to mention Dr Koffards’ effervescent nature. Thank you again for taking such good care of me. Oh! And congratulations on the new, roomy office space! It’s beautiful!

My doctor and the nurse were absolutely amazing . i have bad anxiety when it comes to mouth operations and they walked me through every step, everything was super quick and easy. I wish there was another way to thank the ladies who worked on me bc i have never been so comfortable.

Our Office

1400 Crescent Green Ste 215, Cary, NC 27518

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