Tooth-Colored FillingsBurbank, CA

Understanding Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dental fillings restore the function and integrity of tooth structure lost from cavities or external trauma. They help patients with cavities protect their affected teeth from decaying further. If left unfilled, the cavity will progress and can lead to bone loss. Eventually, this can result in the need for a tooth extraction.

When a cavity is present, we remove the decayed portion of the tooth and use fillings to replace the area where the decayed material once was. Tooth-colored fillings are composites of plastic and ceramic. This composite resin material is the most widely used dental filling material.

Reasons for a Tooth-Colored Filling

Children that receive regular dental check-ups can catch cavities earlier. Patients who think they may have a cavity should make an appointment. The quicker a cavity is spotted, the sooner it can be treated and result in a better outcome. After the cavity removal, filling placement prevents further damage from occurring.

Only a dentist can determine whether a child will need a filling or other treatment. However, there are some warning signs of a cavity to be aware of:

• A pit or hole in a tooth
• Ongoing toothaches
• Sensitivity to sugary foods and drinks
• Temperature sensitivity
• Tooth stains

Benefits

A major benefit of tooth-colored fillings is their natural appearance. These composite fillings closely match the color of the surrounding teeth. It is an effective approach to fill teeth in the front and other visible parts of the teeth. Other filling materials like silver amalgam are much more visible and can cause children to feel more self-conscious.

Aside from filling cavities, tooth-colored fillings can also repair chipped, broken, and worn down teeth. An additional advantage of composite resin fillings is that they micro-mechanically bond to teeth and provide extra support. Sometimes less of the tooth structure needs to be removed than compared to amalgam fillings. This benefit allows patients to retain more of the natural, healthy tooth enamel.

Placement Process

We place tooth-colored fillings in a similar way to traditional restorations. Oral sedation helps put patients at ease, and local anesthetics numb the gums to reduce discomfort during the procedure. After numbing the area, our dentist will remove the tooth’s damaged portion and clean the enamel’s remaining areas.

Next, layers of composite resin material fill the cavity. A special blue light hardens the material and bonds it to the tooth structure. Once the final layer hardens, shaping happens to fit the filling to the tooth. Then, the filling is polished to make it smooth and blend in with the surrounding teeth.

Taking Care

The durability of tooth-colored fillings depends on proper oral hygiene and care. Children should treat their fillings like their natural teeth. It is important to prevent tooth decay from forming under or around the filling by brushing and flossing twice a day.

Children can eat and drink normally, so long as they avoid foods that stress the teeth and fillings. Tooth-colored fillings can also stain more easily, so avoiding consuming staining liquids and foods is best. Regular dental check-ups are also important to examine fillings and ensure that they are still functional and healthy.

Call Us Today

Tooth-colored fillings are a great way to restore your child’s tooth in an effective and natural-looking way. Our team at Star Kids Dental & Orthodontics can help. Call us today at 818-483-9064 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will tooth-colored fillings need replacement?

Although tooth-colored fillings are more durable now than in the past, they will need replacing eventually. There are some signs that a child’s filling needs replacement. These signs include a cracked or loose filling, toothache, changed filling color, or if the filling is old and shows signs of wear.

Are tooth-colored fillings safe?

There are no health risks associated with receiving tooth-colored fillings. In very rare cases, some children may experience an allergic reaction to the composite resin. If this occurs, we can replace the filling with a different material that the patient is not allergic to.

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

Tooth-colored fillings generally last between five to 15 years.. They are less durable than amalgam fillings. Patients with tooth-colored fillings will need replacement more often than metal ones, especially for larger cavities.

Are tooth-colored fillings comfortable?

After the procedure, it may take some time to adjust to the new feeling. However, fillings should improve the health and comfort of the mouth. Tooth-colored fillings should feel natural and smooth, just like the rest of the teeth. Children should be able to bite and speak normally. Parents should contact us if anything is notably different or uncomfortable.

Do tooth-colored fillings hurt?

The tooth filling process is comfortable and straight-forward. We will numb the area to ensure that the patient is comfortable during the procedure. Restoring decayed teeth will eliminate the pain caused by cavities. Patients may experience some discomfort once the numbness has worn off. It is normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity, which should dissipate in a couple of days.