Tooth-Colored Fillings – Hanford, CA
Restore Damaged Teeth with Beautiful Tooth-Colored Fillings
If your smile suffers from cavities or decay, a dental filling may be essential for protecting your tooth and preventing further damage. Tooth-colored fillings are durable, natural-looking restorations that blend seamlessly into your smile, protecting your tooth without anyone knowing you’ve ever had dental work done.
Why Choose Hanford Family Dental Center for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Durable, natural-looking materials used
- Dental insurance accepted
- Can be done in one visit
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Dental fillings repair tooth structure that has been damaged by decay, helping to keep your tooth healthy and prevent further damage.
Tooth-colored fillings are made from durable composite resin, a putty-like mixture of ultrafine plastic and glass particles. Because they contain no metal, these restorations are ideal for patients with metal allergies and may be safer than traditional metal fillings. Furthermore, unlike traditional amalgam fillings, composite resin can be matched to your natural tooth color, so it will never look like you had a cavity to begin with!
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
Getting a tooth-colored filling is a relatively simple procedure and usually can be done in a single hour-long appointment. Here’s what you can expect from your treatment:
- First, your dentist will numb the area of your mouth where the filling will be placed.
- Next, they will remove the decayed sections of your tooth enamel.
- Your tooth will be sanitized to prevent infection and further decay.
- A color-matched composite resin will be applied to the tooth in layers until all your lost enamel is restored.
- The composite resin will be hardened with a painless ultraviolet curing light (this only takes a few seconds).
- Your dentist will sculpt and reshape the filling and remove any excess material.
- Your filling will be polished so it looks and feels just like your natural tooth enamel.
- You’ll be free to use your tooth as usual immediately following your appointment.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are many benefits to choosing a tooth-colored filling over a traditional amalgam metal filling, including:
- A natural looking appearance that won’t change the color of the surrounding tooth over time.
- Composite resin bonds directly to your tooth for a more stable attachment.
- Less enamel reduction is required to make room for the filling, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Ideal for patients with metal allergies or sensitivity.
- Less tooth sensitivity by more effectively protecting the tooth nerves.
- Healthier in the long term, as it does not expand and contract like metal fillings which eventually could cause the tooth to weaken.
- Frequently just as durable as amalgam metal fillings, lasting up to seven years with basic oral hygiene practices.