Tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin material that closely matches the color and appearance of your natural teeth. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, which can be quite noticeable when you open your mouth, tooth-colored fillings offer a more discreet and seamless solution. With their ability to seamlessly blend into your smile and preserve more healthy dental tissue during placement, it's no wonder why many patients opt for this modern solution.

Procedure For Placing Tooth-colored Fillings

When it comes to getting tooth-colored fillings, the procedure is relatively straightforward. First, our dentist will begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. This ensures that you won't feel any pain during the process. Next, the dentist will carefully remove any decay or damage from the tooth using a dental drill or laser. Once all of the unhealthy portions have been removed, they will clean and prepare the tooth for filling.

The next step involves applying layers of composite resin material to restore and reshape your tooth. This material is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful result. After each layer is applied and shaped accordingly, a special light is used to harden and bond the material securely to your tooth's surface. This helps ensure long-lasting durability. Once all necessary layers are in place and properly bonded, our dentist will shape and polish the filling until it matches perfectly with your surrounding teeth.

Advantages of Tooth-colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, offer numerous advantages over traditional metal amalgam fillings. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Aesthetics: One of the most significant advantages of tooth-colored fillings is their natural appearance. These fillings can be matched to the color of your teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from your natural enamel. This means you no longer have to worry about unsightly silver or gray spots when you smile or laugh.
2. Preservation of Tooth Structure: Unlike metal amalgam fillings that require more extensive removal of healthy tooth structure, tooth-colored fillings are minimally invasive and conserve more of your natural tooth structure. The dentist will only remove the decayed portion and then carefully bond the filling material to your tooth.
3. Versatility: Composite resin used in tooth-colored fillings is highly versatile and can be applied not just for cavities but also for repairing chipped or broken teeth, closing gaps between teeth (diastema closure), reshaping misshapen teeth, and even covering up stains or discoloration.
4. Durability: While they may not last as long as metal amalgam restorations, modern composite materials used in tooth-colored fillings are highly durable and can withstand normal biting forces with proper care and maintenance.
5. Safety Concerns: With tooth-colored alternatives being mercury-free, many people prefer this option for peace of mind.
6. Reduced Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity after getting a filling is common but tends to be less pronounced with composite resin-based materials compared to metal amalgams.
7. Easy Repairs: In case a fracture occurs on a filled tooth over time due to injury or wear-and-tear, it is relatively easy for a dentist to repair or replace tooth-colored fillings without having to remove the

To find out more about the dental services we offer at Bencaz Family Dentistry, call (225) 665-2417 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 130 N. Hummell Street, Denham Springs, LA 70726.