Tooth Colored Fillings
How Are Tooth Colored Fillings Used ?
Tooth colored fillings are the preferred alternative to conventional silver colored fillings. Used to treat a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of a tooth and fill the area of the tooth with a filling to prevent infection or further decay. Tooth colored fillings can also be used to repair cracked and broken teeth. Teeth that have been worn down can benefit from additional filling.
What are Tooth Colored Fillings Made of ?
There are three main types of tooth colored fillings. Composite fillings, Ionomers, and Porcelain / Ceramic fillings.
Composite Fillings consist of a mixture of resins and fine particles. These fillings are designed to mimic the colour of a natural tooth. While they are not known to be as strong as silver fillings, the natural look provides a more natural look that is aesthetically pleasing. In some cases, composite resins need to be cemented or bonded to the tooth to allow adhesion.
Ionomers are made from a combination of various materials. These materials can include ground glass, and acrylic resins. Ionomer fillings are tooth colored to provide a natural look. These fillings are most commonly used near the gum line or tooth root. Ionomers are more fragile than silver fillings. A small amount of fluoride is released by the compounds to facilitate strengthened enamel in the affected area.
Porcelain fillings are typically used for crowns, veneers, and lays on inlays. Porcelain fillings are made from a combination of porcelain, glass powder, and ceramic. Porcelain fillings are more durable than other tooth colored fillings. However, they can become fractured if exposed to prolonged biting pressure.
What Steps are Involved in Filling a Tooth?
An x-ray may be needed for the dentist to examine the area of the decay. The dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth that will need to be filling. A drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument will be used to remove the decay in the tooth. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will clean the cavity of bacteria to prepare for the filling.
The tooth colored filling will be injected into the area to seal the tooth and prevent further decay. A special light may be needed to harden the tooth colored filling. After the filling is complete, the dentist will shape the filling and polish to complete the desired result. This is a common and safe procedure that generally does not cause any pain or discomfort to the patient.
What is the Cost of a Tooth Coloured Filling?
The cost of the filling varies based on the material used to complete the filling, the severity of the decay, and anesthetic used for treatment.
The cost of the procedure can vary based on the condition of the patient and type of sedation needed.
Benefits of Tooth Colored Fillings
- Tooth coloured fillings are a quick treatment. After being numbed, the entire process typically takes around 15 minutes to complete the filling.
- Filling a Tooth colored are made to be less noticeable and more aesthetically appealing than silver fillings.
- Tooth colored fillings leave the healthy tooth structure intact. The filling bonds to the teeth so not as much of the natural tooth has to be removed as a silver filling.
- Tooth colored fillings are long lasting. With the proper care they can last 10 or more years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tooth colored fillings safer than silver fillings?
Both are considered to be a safe option for fixing a cavity.
Should I have my silver fillings replaced?
Silver fillings are considered safe and don’t need to be removed if they are not causing problems.
Will my fillings be visible?
Tooth colored fillings mimic the color of your natural teeth and can be matched in color and shade to your natural teeth.