CAVITY TREATMENT
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Natural-Looking Cavity Restoration
When decay damages your tooth, a filling restores its structure, function, and appearance. Tooth-colored composite fillings are the modern choice for cavity treatment, offering an aesthetic alternative to traditional silver amalgam. These fillings bond directly to your tooth, creating a seamless restoration that looks completely natural.
At Glendale Dental Wellness, we use only high-quality composite materials and advanced placement techniques to ensure your fillings are both beautiful and durable.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Process
Anesthesia: We numb your tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Decay Removal: We carefully remove the decayed portion of your tooth using specialized instruments. Only the damaged tissue is removed, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Tooth Preparation: The tooth surface is cleaned and prepared to receive the filling material. We may apply a bonding agent to help the filling adhere properly.
Filling Placement: We place the composite filling material in layers, carefully shaping it to match your tooth's natural anatomy. Each layer is hardened with a special light.
Finishing & Polishing: After the filling is cured, we carefully shape and polish it to ensure a smooth surface and natural appearance. Your bite is checked to ensure proper alignment.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Aesthetically pleasing - matches your natural tooth color
- Require less tooth removal than amalgam fillings
- Bond directly to your tooth, strengthening it
- Mercury-free for health-conscious patients
- Can be placed in visible areas without concern
- Durable and long-lasting when properly placed
- Can be repaired more easily than amalgam
- No risk of silver discoloration over time
Care for Your Fillings
Caring for teeth with fillings is straightforward. Brush twice daily, floss daily to remove plaque between teeth, and avoid chewing on hard objects that could damage the filling. While composite fillings are strong, extremely hard or sticky foods should be minimized.
Schedule regular dental checkups to allow us to monitor your fillings. If a filling becomes loose or damaged, contact us immediately for repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tooth-colored fillings as durable as silver amalgam?
Yes, modern composite fillings are highly durable and match the longevity of amalgam in most cases. They bond directly to your tooth, actually strengthening the remaining tooth structure in many cases.
Why should I choose composite fillings over amalgam?
Composite fillings offer several advantages: they match your natural tooth color, require less tooth removal, bond directly to your tooth, don't contain mercury, and are mercury-free. Many patients also prefer them for aesthetic reasons.
How long does it take to place a filling?
A typical filling takes 20-30 minutes depending on size and location. We'll numb your tooth first so the procedure is completely painless. You can resume normal activities immediately after.
Will my filling be visible?
No, composite fillings are matched precisely to your tooth color during placement. Once cured, the filling is indistinguishable from your natural tooth and completely invisible.
How long do composite fillings last?
With proper care, composite fillings typically last 5-30 years depending on location, size, and chewing habits. Regular checkups help us monitor your fillings and replace them if needed.
