Tooth-Colored Fillings (Restorative) in Los Angeles, CA

Tooth-colored or composite fillings are used to fill a cavity after removing it. At Carlston Dental Group, they are made of a plastic and glass mixture that blends in with your natural tooth color, making them practically invisible. The benefit of using tooth-colored fillings is that they are blended to match the shade of your natural teeth and bond to your enamel. This means that they adhere tightly to the tooth structure and do not have the potential to move like traditional metal fillings. As a result, they help to strengthen and protect the tooth from further damage over time.

The Procedure for Tooth-Colored Fillings

Before your dentist can place a tooth-colored filling, they will remove the decayed area. The dentist will then clean the tooth to remove any additional decay and ensure the area is bacteria-free. Your dentist then places resin layers on the tooth to give your new filling accurate shape and durability. These layers are hardened using a laser or ultraviolet light to bond the composite resin to the tooth. The final step is buffing the filling to smooth it out.

In addition to being better looking than metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings strengthen your tooth and prevent further decay. Most patients can expect their tooth-colored fillings to last five to ten years with proper oral hygiene and regular dentist visits.

The Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are many advantages to tooth-colored fillings, including their aesthetic value. Tooth fillings are white, making them blend in with your natural teeth. This helps them look more like a natural part of your smile than silver or metal fillings. Additionally, tooth-colored fillings require less removal of your natural tooth tissue than silver fillings – which can mean less time in the dentist’s chair and better long-term oral health. Silver and metal fillings can weaken your teeth over time, increasing the risk of chips and fractures in your enamel. Composite resin is a durable material that resists leakage and cracks. Unlike silver and gold fillings, the composite resin is biocompatible and bonds to your tooth structure. This helps seal out bacteria and food particles to prevent decay. Tooth-colored fillings also bond directly to your tooth, so you won’t have to worry about any loose pieces that can fall out when eating or speaking. They are more commonly used to repair teeth with large amounts of damage or decay but can also be used for smaller cavities. Talk to your dentist about the best option for you.