Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right For You?

Not every filling is right for every tooth. For example,a cavity in a back tooth, or molar, that chews and grinds your food would be suitable for a gold or an amalgam filling that can withstand a great deal of pressure. But what about a cavity that is in an area where many people can see it? In such a case, you should talk with our dentist, Dr. Justin J Deutsch about a composite, or tooth-colored filling.

Composite fillings are a combination of powdered glass and acrylic resin. They have become popular among patients over the years due to the fact that the fillings bond directly to the surface of the tooth, and because they can be shaded to match the color of the tooth.

After mixing the composite and removing any tooth decay, the dentist will place the filling. The tooth must be kept dry as it is filled, since the composite is placed in a layers and each layer must be cured before the next layer can be placed. When the last layer has been cured, the dentist will polish the filling.

Improvements are being made with composite fillings, but they are not as strong as other fillings and are usually reserved for smaller cavities in teeth that do not receive a much pressure from biting and chewing. Your new filling will be stain-resistant, but not stain-proof. Over time, dark colored foods and beverages can stain your filling, and that will need to be corrected by your dentist. All fillings wear out over time, and your dentist will check your filling during your routine appointments to make sure that it doesn’t need to be replaced.

If you are interested in a composite filling for your tooth, we would be happy to see you for an exam and a consultation. If you live in the Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, area, you can call 610-449-1513 for an appointment.