Looking to find information about tooth-colored fillings? Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are white fillings filled in the natural tooth structure resulting in your tooth being invisible to the metal fillings most people are used to seeing. That’s why when deciding on a dental treatment for your mouth, there are several dental materials to consider, such as where the filling is located and why it’s needed. You and your dentist, part of our esteemed dental practice, should decide together. We believe both dental amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth-colored) are strong dental restoration options.
Composite Filling
Composite fillings, also known as resin-based composites, match the color of your natural teeth, making them more desirable in terms of dental aesthetics when compared with dental amalgam fillings. Composite fillings work by using dental bonding to your existing healthy tooth. This means your dentist will be able to treat your dental cavity without removing healthy structures of your tooth, a key aspect of dental health. It’s also possible to use composite for tooth restoration of much smaller cavities than amalgam (silver).
The Filling Procedure
A composite filling procedure, one of the many dental procedures in our dental clinic, is similar to other dental fillings. Still, it might take a few more minutes. Your dentist will match the composite filling to your teeth’s color and initiate the cleaning process. To ensure an effective bond, some drilling or trimming takes place to form a strong base, depending on the tooth decay’s severity, often referred to as dental caries.
After the tooth is prepared and the damage is removed, the tooth’s surface is treated with a conditioner. This process, called etching, readies the tooth’s surface to bond tightly with the composite. The etching acid is rinsed off, and then the dental bonding agent is applied. Depending on your dentist and the dental technology used, this etching process might be skipped.
The bonding agent, part of the dental care procedure, needs curing. Once cured, the dentist starts layering dental composite to restore the tooth’s natural shape. By adding small amounts of composite and curing it, we ensure the dental restoration offers both health and aesthetics.
After Care Instructions
Near the procedure’s end, the dentist will ask for your feedback. The tooth will be polished for smoothness, and you’ll be given dental hygiene instructions to care for your filling. It typically takes up to 24 hours for the composite to fully cure. Any minor pain or sensitivity should fade after a few weeks.
Quick Comparison to help you with your decision
Pros:
- Highly cosmetic
- Can bond filling to tooth
- More conservative preparation
Cons:
- Not suitable for large cavities
- Generally shorter lifespan than amalgam
- Not as strong
- The condition of mouth may determine the success of a procedure
- Very slight shrinkage from the tooth on setting, which could cause a minute space between the filling and the tooth, possibly resulting in failure
- Not recommended for certain areas
- Much more expensive and many insurance companies will not cover the extra expense
- Possible postoperative sensitivity
- Not suitable for restorations where a heavy bite is found
- Premature deterioration when exposed to excessive daily alcohol consumption
- Polymer degradation, resulting in the release of formaldehyde over time, which has not been proven to be harmful
Considering the pros and cons will aid in making a more informed decision regarding your dental health and dental aesthetics.