WHITE OR TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS

Never before have there been so many filling choices. Dental composites (known as white or tooth colored fillings) have evolved to be one of the most desirable restorations to both patients and dentists. The excellent esthetic qualities coupled with enhanced strength and wear qualities have made composite restorations applicable to both anterior and posterior teeth.

Why Would I Want a Tooth-Colored Filling?

When a tooth has decay due to bacterial infection, all the cavities (decay) are removed from the tooth and a natural looking filling material such as composite is placed and bonded to the area where the cavity caused a void. In other instances, composite bonding restorations are used fix minor chips. In addition, they can provide protective coverings for sensitive or cavity-prone teeth. These fillings can also be used to close small spaces between teeth to prevent food and plaque accumulation.

Because cavities can weaken a tooth, a tooth-colored filling plays a role in protecting teeth by preventing a bigger infection (which could lead to an abscess), adding strength back to the tooth so that cracks do not form within the tooth (which could lead to pain). Also, this material allows the dentists to fashion a more conservative restorative, which results in more tooth preservation.

In addition to the protective features of composite bonding, the esthetic and lifelike appearance of these materials allows for Dr. Kalebjian and Dr. Khater to artistically sculpt the proper dental anatomy of a tooth. It allows our dentists to emulate the most realistic parts of a tooth, which translates into a more esthetic result. The cosmetic properties of bonding materials gives our dentists flexibility to restore function and appearance.

What's the Process for Receiving a Tooth-Colored Filling?

Dr. Kalebjian and Dr. Khater believe that the best fillings are the one's that you cannot see, and cannot feel. They are placed in five simple steps:

1. Tooth preparation,
2. Tooth conditioning-etch,
3. Adhesive application,
4. Bonding of composite material, and
5. Composite finish/polish.

The typical composite filling visit runs 30-45 minutes. At the completion of the visit, your composite restoration is fully hardened and ready for action.

Contact us to schedule an exam as there could be a cavity you do not feel but would be easily taken care of with a simple tooth-colored filling!

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