Tooth-Colored Fillings in Newburyport, MA
When a tooth suffers minor to moderate damage because of decay or traumatic injury, our dentist can restore it using dental fillings. Dental fillings are made from different materials, including gold alloy, silver amalgam, glass ionomer, composite resin, and porcelain. For many years, silver-colored dental amalgam fillings were the only option available for patients who needed dental restorations. Fast forward to today, and the possibilities are more diverse. In particular, patients who are looking for aesthetically superior options are increasingly opting for tooth-colored fillings.
The materials used to make tooth-colored dental fillings are porcelain and composite resin. As the name suggests, tooth-colored fillings are matched to the shade of your smile.
What to Expect
We begin by removing all signs of decay from your tooth. For this, we use anesthesia to ensure a comfortable process. Tooth decay may be removed using a dental drill, air abrasion, or a dental laser, depending on the dentist’s choice.
Once the affected tooth has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, our dentist fills the cavity using the tooth-colored material. The material is poured in layers, and the dentist allows each layer to solidify before pouring the next one. The last step involves polishing the filling to achieve the desired final look.
If your cavities are big, our dentist may recommend indirect tooth-colored fillings, also known as inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays provide greater coverage compared to direct fillings. Unlike direct fillings, which are applied directly to the teeth, inlays and onlays are manufactured in a dental lab and then later bonded to the teeth.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
The most significant advantage of tooth-colored fillings is that they’re aesthetically superior to other restorations. If you’re looking for a dental restoration that blends in well with your natural teeth, then tooth-colored fillings are the way to go.
Other benefits of tooth-colored fillings are:
- Tooth-colored fillings, unlike silver amalgam fillings, don’t contain toxic materials and, as such are safe for your body.
- Tooth-colored fillings need less removal of tooth structure. As such, they don’t compromise the tooth’s structural integrity.
- Since they’re chemically bonded to the tooth, tooth-colored fillings strengthen the tooth.
Reach out to Newburyport Family Dental if you’re interested in tooth-colored dental fillings in Newburyport, MA.