Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Sometimes, despite the diligent home care and regular check-ups at the dentist, children and adults will develop a cavity. Most adults will have at least one cavity in their lifetime.
The standard in years past for taking care of tooth decay was a metal filling, also called amalgam. You might even have a few of these dark grey fillings left in your mouth.
Today we have available tooth-coloured composite fillings, so tooth decay is treated with tiny particles of glass and plastic that are made to match the colour of your teeth. We treat new decay with this aesthetic option, but you could also replace old amalgams with tooth-coloured restorations.
The Procedure for Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Getting a composite filling isn’t much different from getting an amalgam filling. After the area is anaesthetised, Dr Chris Plackner will remove as much of the tooth decay as is necessary. Next, he will roughen the area designated to receive the filling to help it adhere to the tooth. After the composite material is mixed and matched to your tooth colour, it will be applied to the tooth in layers.
After he fills your tooth, the restoration is cured and polished. Then your dentist will have you bite down to ensure the filling feels comfortable. It will blend in well with your tooth.
Other Uses for Tooth-Coloured Fillings
The composite material is sometimes used cosmetically to make small repairs to teeth. If you have a small chip or gap, we might be able to fix it with this non-invasive treatment that can typically be completed in one appointment.
Called cosmetic bonding, we can use this procedure to repair issues such as:
- Small gaps or spacing between teeth
- Chips and fractures on the tooth surface
- Size discrepancies between teeth
- Roots exposed because of gum recession
- Misshapen or stained teeth
Caring for Tooth-Coloured Fillings
There is no difference from amalgam fillings when it comes to caring for your tooth-coloured restoration. Right after you get the filling, you can eat and drink whatever you’d like. You can also brush and floss as usual.
Some patients have some sensitivity right after we fill the tooth, but this is not unusual or anything to be alarmed about. If the sensitivity continues after several days, just give us a call. In the meantime, you can try a desensitising toothpaste until the feeling has dissipated.
As always, we welcome you to visit your Kenmore, QLD dentist for routine check-ups and cleans.
We Welcome You and Your Family
At Kenmore Family dental, we prioritise high-quality dentistry and outstanding patient care. If you have a cavity, an old metal filling or a tooth that needs to be repaired, we will talk to you about options for restoring your smile.
We look forward to your call.
