What Are Tooth Colored Fillings?
When tooth structure faces damage from dental decay, cracks, or fractures, the solution often involves the use of a dental filling. In the past, amalgam, a metal mixture, was commonly employed for fillings. However, contemporary fillings are frequently tooth-colored, commonly known as "white fillings." These fillings not only restore the tooth's form and function but also seamlessly blend with the surrounding tooth structure. Crafted from composite resin materials known for their strength and durability, tooth-colored fillings are chemically bonded to fill and reconstruct a tooth after the removal of decayed or damaged structures. Initially applied as a putty-like material, tooth-colored fillings are meticulously shaped to match the contours of a healthy natural tooth. They are then solidified using a light wand. Beyond repairing damage or decay, composite resins can also serve cosmetic purposes by enhancing teeth, altering their size, color, or shape to address imperfections or minor alignment issues such as spacing.
The Process of Filling Your Tooth with Composite Resin at Lakeview Family Dentistry
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, your dentist takes careful consideration in selecting a composite shade that seamlessly blends with your neighboring teeth. The procedure initiates with the identification and removal of any tooth decay. Before commencing, your Lakeview Family Dentistry professional administers a local anesthetic to ensure the affected area is numb. Once the numbness sets in, the dentist eliminates the decay from the cavity, ensuring a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the site to prepare for the filling.
To fill the cavity, a bonding solution is applied to the tooth's surface, followed by the application of layers of composite resin. Each layer undergoes curing using a specialized UV light. Your LLakeview Family Dentistry professional adeptly shapes and sculpts the composite resin filling to replicate the natural contour of your tooth. After achieving the desired result, the dentist uses UV light to cure the final layer of the composite resin and then meticulously polishes it. The outcome is a fully restored tooth that appears healthy and displays no visible signs of treatment.
Replacing Old Metal Fillings with Tooth-Colored Composite Resin in Eagan MN
AWith the ongoing progress in cosmetic dentistry, an increasing number of individuals express interest in exchanging their silver amalgam fillings for new tooth-colored composite resin fillings. However, the decision to replace existing metal fillings, even when they pose no issues, is entirely up to you. At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our experienced team is ready to help you evaluate the best course of action.
Some patients opt to replace their fillings to minimize potential exposure to mercury, while others choose replacement as a preventive measure against future tooth deterioration associated with silver amalgam fillings. We will guide you in assessing your options regarding filling replacement.