What Are Tooth Colored Fillings?

In the past, needing a filling to restore your tooth after a cavity meant having a discolored area of your tooth as the filling materials were made from metal. However, dentists now almost exclusively use tooth-colored fillings, which use composite resin materials to restore the tooth. But how do tooth-colored fillings work? How can they help your smile? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Dr. Lisa Baker in Bloomington, IN.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings 

The most obvious benefit of tooth-colored fillings is their color, which is customizable to fit perfectly into your smile. Your dentist will use the correct shade of filling material to create a seamless look. Tooth-colored fillings are made up of high-quality dental materials which will last many years with the proper care. Not worrying about discolorations in your smile can also boost confidence and give you the peace of mind you need to laugh and smile without second thoughts. Unlike the old silver amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings do not expand with temperature changes, making them safer for your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings also take less preparation, allowing them to save more of your natural tooth’s structure.

Do I need a filling? 

Fillings are the treatment for a cavity, which is an early stage of teeth decay. Bacteria builds up on the tooth to create a sticky substance called plaque, which hardens into tartar. The tartar then begins to eat through the tooth’s hard outer layer to form a cavity. During a filling procedure, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it in with the tooth-colored materials to restore its structure. If a cavity reaches the tooth’s inner pulp chamber, which houses the tooth’s soft tissues and nerves, a root canal becomes necessary to treat the infection.

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Bloomington, IN 

Tooth-colored fillings keep your smile looking great and functioning efficiently for years to come. For more information on tooth-colored fillings or other dental procedures which can benefit your smile, please contact Dr. Baker in Bloomington, IN. Call 812-332-2000 to schedule your appointment today!