Patients in Glendale, CA ask, “What are tooth colored filling services?”
At Bright Smiles Dental Studio in Glendale, CA, we truly care about the health and wellness of our patients. We encourage all our patients to maintain twice yearly preventative dental appointments. These visits are crucial in the prevention and early detection of cavities, decay, and gum disease. When issues like these are caught at their earliest stage, we are able to provide non-invasive, natural looking solutions that can restore the health and appearance of the smile. One of the ways we do this is with our tooth colored filling services.
To learn more about tooth colored fillings, or to schedule an annual exam, call us at (818) 290-8788 .
Dental Fillings
When you have a cavity, you need to have it repaired in order to prevent further damage to the tooth. In the past when it came to fillings, many dentists opted for amalgam, which is a silver colored tooth filling. While these fillings were often chosen due to their durability, they are not known as the most attractive solution for the smile. In fact, many patients are often self-conscious of the silver fillings in their smile.
At Bright Smiles, we use a strong, natural-looking alternative. Composite resin fillings are tooth colored fillings that can actually be matched to the tooth’s natural enamel color. Once a composite resin filling is in place, no one outside of you or our staff will ever be able to tell that you have a filling in your smile.
Tooth colored fillings can be used for a number of different reasons, including:
- Repairing a tooth that is cracked or broken
- Filling an area of the tooth that has a cavity
- Filling in areas of worn teeth due to bruxism
Benefits of tooth colored fillings
Obviously, one of the biggest advantages of tooth-colored fillings is how natural they look, but there are still other reasons we choose these types of fillings.
- Tooth colored fillings are resistant to temperature changes. Amalgam fillings will actually expand and contract with changes in temperature. This could lead to small cracks or breaks in the tooth and leave that area susceptible to bacteria. Tooth colored fillings will not be impacted by changes in temperature which protects the tooth from needing further repair.
- Tooth colored fillings support the tooth’s natural structure. Once in place, composite resin fillings restore the original strength and functionality of tooth. During a composite resin filling, much less of the natural tooth structure must be removed prior to placing it. This allows patients to keep more of their natural smile.
What to expect with a tooth colored filling
Fillings are a simple, in-office procedure that is typically done under local anesthesia. If the patient suffers from any dental anxiety, additional options can be discussed. During the procedure, a drill is used to eliminate the enamel and the area affected by the cavity. An acid gel is then used to etch the tooth to allow the resin to properly bond to the tooth. The resin is then applied to the tooth and cured with a special light. We continue this process in layers until the tooth is completely restored and sealed. The tooth will then be polished down to its natural size and finish.
Recovery from tooth colored fillings
It’s normal to experience sensitivity to pressure, temperature, and tastes after the local anesthesia has worn off. These sensations are typically mild and should go away within one to two weeks.
It’s important for patients to implement an at-home oral hygiene routine that includes consistent brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Maintaining routine dental exams and professional cleanings allows us to monitor the filling as well as the health of the rest of the mouth. With proper care, tooth colored fillings can last for up to ten years, sometimes longer before needing to be replaced.
At Bright Smiles Dental Studio in Glendale, CA, our goal is to provide patients with comprehensive dentistry services that improve the health and appearance of their smile. Our goal is to always deliver care that is conservative and effective. If you would like to learn more about tooth colored fillings or any other services that we provide, we invite you to call our office today at (818) 290-8788 to schedule an appointment.
