The average person between 20 and 64 years old will have over nine of their teeth treated for decay, which means they’ll receive tooth-colored fillings. In the past, dentists would use noticeable amalgam to fill cavities, which was a compound comprised of different metals. Today, we utilize a high-quality, natural-looking material that’s biocompatible and safe to use on patients of all ages. It also allows us to treat decay without highlighting damaged teeth.
Tooth-colored fillings are used to repair gaps in the surface of teeth caused by cavities to help strengthen them as well as prevent further harm from occurring. The composite resin is made from fine particles of plastic and glass, and it’s able to chemically fuse with natural tooth enamel, creating a tight seal within the tooth to make sure bacteria can’t re-enter the area. It’s also custom-shaded to match the color of your existing tooth, making it virtually impossible to tell which tooth had the cavity in the first place.
In most cases, a tooth with a cavity can be treated within a single, hour-long visit. Dr. Langworthy will clear away any loose, decayed debris and sanitize the tooth, removing harmful bacteria and preventing the cavity from spreading. He’ll then prepare the area for the filling and place the biocompatible composite resin within the tooth.
When the resin has been shaped and formed to fit securely within the tooth, Dr. Langworthy will cure it using an ultraviolet light. This will harden the filling, allowing it to fuse with the enamel and continue protecting your affected tooth for years to come.
Tooth-colored fillings are the modern standard for cavity treatment because they offer a wide range of benefits, including:
If you would like to replace an outdated amalgam filling or believe you could benefit from this treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for more information.