Tooth-Colored Fillings Palos Heights
Seamlessly Repair Cavities and Decay
In the past, dentists always used a dark-colored substance called silver amalgam to fill cavities. While it was somewhat effective, it had some major drawbacks, including the fact that it was made of a mixture of metals! Today, our Palos Heights team offers a superior alternative: tooth-colored fillings. Continue reading this page to learn more about this quick and seamless restorative method for stopping dental decay, or contact us directly to request an appointment.
Why Choose Revival Dentistry for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Metal-Free Restorative Option
- Quick & Easy Treatment Process
- Friendly & Helpful Dental Team
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
A filling is placed inside a dental cavity to prevent the decay from worsening and restore the tooth’s structure. Tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin, which is a mixture of ultra-fine glass and plastic particles. The resin is shade-matched to blend in with the color of the surrounding teeth. It is also completely metal-free, making it an excellent choice for patients who are concerned about the use of metal-based restorations in dental care. (Old-fashioned metal fillings contain roughly 50% mercury, a toxic substance that can cause a range of symptoms if someone is overexposed to it.)
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
The process of getting a tooth-colored filling is pretty easy! First, we will likely numb your tooth (if a cavity is quite shallow, this step might not be necessary). Then, we will remove decayed tissue from inside the cavity. Next, we insert the shade-matched resin and harden it with a special curing light. To finish, we polish and modify the filling so it sits flush against your tooth’s surface and will not interfere with your bite.
The entire process takes less than an hour in most cases. No downtime is required afterward, but your tooth might be extra-sensitive for a few days. Avoiding hot, cold, spicy, and acidic foods can allow you to minimize any discomfort.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings offer some huge advantages, especially when they are compared to their amalgam counterparts:
- Natural appearance: Composite resin is shade-matched to blend in with surrounding enamel for a seamless smile.
- Metal-free composition: Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings contain no dark metals, so they are ideal for individuals with metal allergies, sensitivities, or concerns about mercury in amalgam fillings.
- Strong bond: The resin bonds directly to the tooth, which helps to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
- Comfortable fit: Because they sit flush with the tooth, these fillings feel natural and function well in everyday use.
- Dependable results: With proper care, tooth-colored fillings provide durable protection against further decay. They often last for several years before replacement becomes necessary.
- Less sensitivity: The resin does not respond to temperature changes as readily as amalgam, which means it is less likely to cause sensitivity or damage the surrounding tooth structure.