Tooth-Colored Fillings – Vancouver, WA
A Lifelike Way to Treat Cavities
Enamel may be the hardest substance made by the human body, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Even those who regularly brush and floss can develop decay, and unfortunately, it doesn’t usually resolve on its own.
Dr. Kelly and the rest of our team are happy to provide a lifelike way to treat cavities with tooth-colored fillings. Unlike amalgam repairs, these restorations can be customized to blend seamlessly with your smile, enhancing your appearance. Continue reading to learn more about this standard service to help determine if it’s right for you!
Why Choose Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Customized, Tooth-Colored Materials
- Welcome Patients of All Ages
- Options for Sedation to Ease Anxiety
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Historically, dentists used ‘silver fillings’ made of mixtures of powdered metals, such as silver, tin, or copper, mixed with about 50% liquid mercury as a binding agent. These repairs are incredibly durable, but can cause allergies or sensitivity. They can also expand or contract with changes in temperature, eventually eroding the affected enamel.
Today, Dr. Kelly provides more realistic fillings using tooth-colored composite resin. This material can be color-matched to your teeth for beautiful results that boost your confidence, is less likely to cause adverse reactions, and bonds directly to preserve more of your enamel’s strength and structure.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
First, our team must examine your mouth to determine whether this is the best treatment option. If so, we’ll proceed by numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic and/or providing sedation as needed to help you feel calm and comfortable the entire time.
Next, we will carefully clean the decayed tooth to remove damaged sections and clear away harmful, disease-inducing bacteria. Then, we’ll apply the color-matched composite resin in layers to rebuild these areas, form it into the perfect shape, and harden it in place with ultraviolet light so it bonds with your enamel. Finally, we’ll carefully remove any excess material and polish the result so it’s less likely to be noticed.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are several advantages to choosing tooth-colored fillings over amalgam restorations, such as:
- Improved appearance. The materials are customized to resemble your teeth for beautiful results that enhance your self-esteem.
- Your filling can last between 5 and 15+ years when cared for correctly, which is often just as long as amalgam repairs.
- Preserve dental structure. This method preserves more of the underlying tooth so you can continue using it to eat, speak, and smile normally for years to come.
- Biocompatible materials. It’s made from FDA-approved composite resin that bonds with your enamel, which is less likely to cause sensitivity, allergies, or other issues.
- Easy maintenance. Most patients can maintain the outcome by brushing and flossing twice daily, avoiding foods that stain, and visiting Dr. Kelly every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning.