Tooth-Colored Filling – Springfield, MA
A Lifelike Solution for Fixing Cavities
Historically, dentists relied on amalgam fillings made from powdered metals such as silver, tin, copper, or zinc, mixed with liquid mercury as a binding agent. Although these repairs are strong enough to withstand the pressure of daily biting and chewing, they often leave teeth looking dark or dirty, which can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Thankfully, Dr. Gramse offers a lifelike solution for fixing cavities with tooth-colored fillings. Continue reading to learn more about this standard service, and please contact the office if you’d like to make an appointment.
Why Choose Dr. Laura Gramse Family Dental Care for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Dentist with 35+ Years of Experience
- Customizable, Tooth-Colored Materials
- Resilient, Long-Lasting Results
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Amalgam restorations are incredibly durable, but there are some downsides to using metallic materials to fix cavities. For instance, they tend to expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can eventually erode your enamel. Not only that, but they sometimes trigger allergies or sensitivity in certain patients.
Fortunately, our team uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair or rebuild decayed or damaged sections of enamel instead. This FDA-approved material is made up of tiny particles of acrylic, glass, and ceramic, and can be color-matched to your teeth for more seamless results that are less likely to negatively impact your oral health, appearance, or self-esteem.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
Before beginning, our team will numb the area with a local anesthetic to help you feel calm and comfortable while we work. Then, we’ll remove any injured enamel and carefully clean and disinfect your tooth to prevent a recurrence.
Next, we’ll gently apply color-matched, putty-like composite resin directly to your injured tooth in layers to restructure the lost section(s). This is hardened in place using a special ultraviolet curing light, which causes it to bond with your enamel, preserving more of the natural structure of your tooth. Then, we’ll gently remove any excess materials and polish your tooth to a shine before sending you home.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are several excellent reasons to get tooth-colored fillings at our Springfield office, including:
- Lifelike materials. The composite resin can be customized to match your natural enamel for more realistic outcomes.
- Resilient results. These repairs often last 10 to 15+ years if cared for correctly, which is often just as long as their metallic counterparts.
- Easy aftercare. Maintaining the results doesn’t require a lot; brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting our team for a routine exam and cleaning every 6 months can help keep it in great shape.
- Protect your teeth. Unlike amalgam materials, tooth-colored resin bonds directly with your enamel to preserve more of your tooth’s natural structure and strength.
- Improved comfort. This option is less likely to trigger metal allergies or sensitivity, helping avoid potential aches.
