What Is a Tooth-Colored (Composite) Filling?
Among patients of all ages, tooth decay is a common dental concern that affects the oral health and wellness of the smile. Tooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria that eats away the tooth enamel and results in a cavity in the tooth. To arrest the decay and restore health to the tooth, our doctors place tooth-colored fillings that blend beautifully with your smile. Tooth-colored, or composite fillings, are made of durable material and may also be used to repair minor chips and fractures on teeth to reestablish health and appearance.
In the past, we used amalgam (silver) fillings to restore teeth, but we now understand that amalgam may cause some health risks and does not bond as well to the teeth. By using composite resin for fillings, our team at Made Ya Smile Dental can be more conservative in our approach to bringing health back to your smile. We can even replace your old amalgam fillings with natural-looking composite to improve your general wellness along with your appearance. To learn more about composite fillings from our Houston, TX family dental practice, contact our friendly team today.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Reviews
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
At our dental clinics, we want to provide individuals with comprehensive, modern dental care services in dental care. Tooth-colored fillings are a safe and efficient treatment, providing patients with numerous advantages, such as:
- Protecting against cavities
- A simple, convenient procedure that allows for lasting protection
- Preventing debris and plaque collection
- Attractive appearance that smoothly blends with your teeth
When Are Composite Dental Fillings Recommended?
Our dentists use composite resin material to treat tooth decay and minor damage to front and back teeth. Tooth-colored fillings rebuild and strengthen areas where tooth structure has been compromised. This type of material is preferred over silver amalgam for health reasons, but it also allows to be more conservative in our treatment. Our dentists do not have to remove as much tooth structure to place composite fillings when compared with amalgam material.
Composite fillings may be recommended for your smile if you have a cavity, chipped teeth, uneven biting edges, or worn tooth enamel. This type of cosmetic and restorative treatment may also be ideal if you have old amalgam fillings that you wish to trade out for a more aesthetic appeal and healthier treatment option. To place a composite filling, our doctors select the shade of material that matches the color of the surrounding teeth. Composites blend naturally with your smile and are highly durable, long-lasting, and feel smooth to the touch.
How Are Composite Resin Fillings Placed?
In most cases, having a composite filling placed is a simple, one-visit procedure. Our team has over 30 years of experience in restoring dental health to individuals of all ages and is known to put patients at ease with our gentle chairside approach. To begin, we ensure your comfort by thoroughly numbing the tooth and surrounding tissues. If you have dental anxiety, we can also provide calming sedation dentistry for a relaxing experience. Our dentists will then gently remove the decayed or damaged areas of the tooth using advanced dental equipment. We rinse and dry the area and then begin to layer the tooth-colored composite material in place. A curing light will be used to harden your filling, which will then be polished to a smooth feel and appearance. Our team will check your bite to ensure comfort and provide any post-op instructions.
Composite Dental Fillings Aftercare and Recovery
Receiving a composite filling is a simple and easy experience. As such, you can normally get back to your daily routine immediately following your treatment. If you received dental anesthetic, you should not eat until the feeling fully returns to your lips, cheeks, and tongue. You may notice some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures in the few days following your procedure. Please contact our office if you experience any major discomfort, your tooth sensitivity does not subside, or your filling feels a little high when you bite together. We can also have you return for a quick filling adjustment if your bite feels off. The best way to care for your new composite filling is through a meticulous daily home care routine with proper brushing and flossing. Our team at Made Ya Smile Dental will continue to monitor the health and function of your filling at each of your bi-annual dental cleaning and exam visits.
Does Insurance Cover Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings?
Most dental insurance plans cover composite fillings for dental cavities or tooth damage, at least in part. Before your procedure, our team will contact your insurance company and review your benefits. Made Ya Smile Dental accepts most PPO plans and will file your claim on your behalf. To help cover any out-of-pocket costs, we are happy to accept several convenient payment options and can work with you to help your care fit comfortably within your budget. We also partner with CareCredit® for third-party patient financing.
Tooth-Colored Fillings FAQ
Are composite fillings better than silver amalgam fillings?
Composite fillings offer several advantages over silver amalgam fillings, such as bonding to the enamel better. Composite fillings are more pliable than silver amalgam fillings and can be shaded to match your natural teeth.
Do tooth-colored fillings look like my natural teeth?
Our team will work to shade your composite resin filling to match your natural enamel, seamlessly blending your filling with your smile.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
If cared for properly, tooth-colored fillings can last for 12 years. A proper oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day, regular dental checkups and exams can help your composite filling last.
Natural-Looking Composite Restorations
Composite fillings are a simple, aesthetically appealing way to restore your smile. Minor damage or tooth decay can have more serious long-term effects if left untreated so we recommend treating these needs as early as possible. With composite material, our dentists can offer a more conservative approach to restoring health and wellness to your smile. Schedule a visit at Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX today if you or a family member have a damaged or decayed tooth.