Tooth-Colored Fillings
Most adults remember a time when dental fillings meant dark, metallic blotches in the back of your mouth. They weren't very attractive and they could leave the tooth vulnerable to further problems. Today's tooth-colored fillings not only look infinitely better, they're better for your teeth as well. At North Orange Family Dentistry, we only use white fillings to repair teeth.
What are Tooth-colored fillings?
The fillings we use are made from a safe and stable composite resin. This is currently the best and easiest way to repair most teeth compromised by cavities. After thoroughly cleaning out the decayed portion of the tooth, Dr. Bogan will carefully apply the composite material to ensure a good seal with the existing tooth structure and a complete curing of the resin.
These fillings can be matched to the color of your own natural teeth so they won't easily be noticed. In most cases, these tooth-colored fillings will last you for many years.
Benefits of white composite fillings
As the name suggests, tooth-colored or white fillings are aesthetically a better match for your teeth. But they have several other advantages over the old mercury amalgam fillings.
- Composite fillings form a better seal with the tooth, helping to prevent future decay.
- Metal fillings expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can cause microfractures in the teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are much more stable, so they protect teeth better.
- Composite fillings require less drilling and so maintain more of the natural tooth.
- Modern white fillings are as durable and last as long as amalgam fillings.
For all these reasons, Dr. Bogan has chosen to use only tooth-colored composite fillings for his patients.
Fillings as part of a complete solution
While fillings may be enough to repair damaged teeth in many cases, there are times when damage from decay or injury requires additional safeguards. A dental crown, inlay, or onlay may be necessary to secure teeth with extensive damage or to replace missing cusps. As a preventive measure, Dr. Bogan may recommend
dental sealants or crown for children prone to tooth decay to protect healthy teeth.
We're happy to answer any questions you have about tooth-colored fillings or the best ways to repair and protect your teeth.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.