Tooth-Colored Fillings – Jonesboro, AR
Restoring Your Teeth’s Health and Appearance
In the past, getting cavities filled meant that you got dark, silvery blobs on your teeth. These unsightly fillings let everyone know where you had cavities in the past. Well, that’s not the case anymore. At Woodsprings Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer another, more advanced solution for cavity restoration—tooth-colored fillings. This type of filling allows us to bring back and ensure your tooth’s health and appearance for the long haul. Dr. Sarah Yarnell and her dedicated team are experts and can help you get your oral health back on track after a cavity.
What are tooth-colored fillings made of?
Unlike amalgam, which is a compound of mercury, silver, tin, and copper, tooth-colored fillings are free of metallic materials. Instead, they utilize a material called composite resin, which consists of plastic and fine ceramic particles. Composite resin is biocompatible, which means that it is not toxic and is capable of combining with your tooth structure. Also, composite resin can be shaded to match your tooth enamel, hence the name “tooth-colored filling.”
What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?
Although amalgam fillings are undoubtedly durable because of their metal content, tooth-colored fillings have many advantages over amalgam, including the following:
- They look completely natural. Most often, you won’t be able to tell that you ever had a cavity. The results can appear that seamless.
- They are biocompatible. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite resin bonds well to the natural tooth structure.
- They support your natural tooth structure. Although not as durable as amalgam, composite resin has a strong bond with the tooth, strengthening it and giving it extra reinforcement.
- They save healthy structure. Placing amalgam fillings requires that extra enamel be removed to ensure that it stays in place. Composite resin is flexible and adheres easily, allowing more tooth structure to remain intact.
How are tooth-colored fillings placed?
After Dr. Yarnell finds tooth decay, she will follow this process to address the problem:
- First, she numbs the area with a local anesthetic.
- She cleans out the infected parts, careful to leave your healthy tooth structure behind.
- Then, she colors the putty-like composite resin to match your tooth enamel.
- Placing the resin onto your tooth, Dr. Yarnell sculpts it into the desired shape.
- A curing light helps the resin to harden more quickly.
- She then fine tunes the resin, smooths out rough spots, and ensures that your bite feels comfortable.
It’s that simple! In just one appointment, your tooth is restored to full health.
How should I care for my tooth-colored fillings?
As with any restoration, the better you care for it, the longer it will last. Luckily, preserving your composite resin filling entails the exact same maintenance as your natural teeth. At minimum, you need to do the following:
- Brush at least twice every day.
- Floss at least once every day.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
If you would like to further reinforce your teeth to protect your fillings and prevent cavities in the future, you can also implement these into your life:
- Drink more water.
- Reduce your sugar intake.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash daily.
At Woodsprings Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping you restore and keep your oral health now and into the future. Dr. Yarnell and our team look forward to serving you and meeting your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!