Tooth Colored Fillings

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What are Tooth Colored Fillings?

Tooth colored fillings (composite fillings) are used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

Reasons for tooth colored fillings:

  • Chipped teeth
  • Closing space between two teeth
  • Cracked or broken teeth
  • Decayed teeth

Composite resin is a durable alternative to silver fillings. Filling shades are customized to match your tooth color, so the fillings are virtually undetectable. They contain no metal or mercury, not only are they free from potentially toxic materials, but they will not change shape like amalgam can.

The Process of Filling a Tooth

The two common reasons why a tooth may need to be filled or restored are decay and chipping. The procedure is the same no matter which material is used. After patients have been anesthetized, the procedure begins by removing decay and preparing it for the restoration. Next, the filling material is placed directly into the the tooth. After is has securely bonded to the structure of the tooth, the procedure is complete.

Placement of a tooth colored fillings takes only one visit. Dr. DeWitt can also remove dark amalgams and replace them with composite fillings or porcelain inlays, onlays, and crowns to reclaim your healthy and beautiful smile. When the area of the tooth decay is too large for a filling, but not large enough for a crown, Dr. DeWitt may recommend an inlay or onlay.