Tooth Colored Fillings

A filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing.

Enamel loss is a common component of tooth decay, and may result in tooth sensitivity. In many cases, tooth sensitivity caused by enamel loss will be significantly improved or completely eliminated once an appropriate dental filling material is placed. But in some cases, depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage, the affected tooth may require additional or alternative procedures, including:

Dental Crowns: Teeth requiring more support than offered by a traditional filling may require a dental crown.
Dental Implants and Dental Bridges: Irreparable tooth damage requiring tooth extraction may require an implant or bridge.
Root Canals: Infected, abscessed or nerve damaged teeth may require a root canal procedure.

During preventative dental checkups, or dental emergency visits prompted by a toothache, we will evaluate your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure and if we identify the number of tooth surfaces affected by decay or damage, we will then prepare the tooth and necessary surrounding areas in order to restore the damaged area. The decay or damage will be removed with a dental hand-piece or laser, and the area is cleansed to remove bacteria or debris before the restoration is completed.

The first step in performing a composite filling procedure involves isolation of the tooth. Tooth isolation is critical in a composite restoration, because it prevents moisture from interfering with the bonding process. The bonding procedure requires the placement of various adhesives followed by the composite material, which is then hardened with a special bonding light. The completed composite restoration is both functional and natural looking.