Tooth-Colored Fillings – Glenpool, OK

What are Tooth-Colored Fillings Made Of?

Traditionally, metal fillings consist of amalgam, or a combination of several metals, including silver and mercury. In contrast, tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin, a mixture of dental plastic and fine ceramic particles. This filling material bonds directly to the tooth structure, creating a tight fit and a seamless appearance for your restored tooth.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

The composite resin material provides many advantages that amalgam fillings simply can’t, including the following:

• Tooth-colored resin will match your natural tooth color and contour, making it less visible.
• This type of filling allows you to keep more of your tooth’s healthy structure.
• You don’t have to worry about metal allergies or sensitivity to hot or cold in that tooth.

Why Should You Replace Your Silver (Amalgam) Fillings?

If you already have amalgam fillings, you may be tempted to keep them as they are. However, you really should consider switching these fillings for composite resin for the following reasons:

• Silver fillings weaken the remaining tooth structure.
• The edges of the silver filling can weaken, wear down, or break.
• Decay can begin to develop beneath the edges of weakened silver fillings.
• The mercury in silver fillings can corrode, leak, and cause staining on your teeth and gums.
• Silver fillings draw attention to damaged teeth.

Placing a Tooth-Colored Filling

Whether you’re replacing your old fillings or you have a new cavity that needs to be resolved, the process goes as follows:

• One of our dentists will administer a local anesthetic, numbing the area.
• Then, we will remove the old filling or the decayed portions of your tooth and make sure the tooth is clean and bacteria free.
• We will choose the shade of composite resin that most closely matches your tooth’s enamel and apply it to your tooth.
• A special light is used to harden the resin in layers, and your dentist will sculpt it into an aesthetically pleasing shape.

By the time we’re done, no one will be able to tell that you had dental work done on that tooth.

Maintaining Your Filling

With the proper care, this durable restoration can last for about 10 years. The good news is that fillings require the exact same care as your natural teeth. All you need to do is brush twice and floss once daily and attend your dental checkup and cleaning at our Glenpool dental office twice every year.

If you’re ready for a healthy smile, contact us for your appointment today. Dr. Mohanna and Dr. Georgy are accepting new patients and would love to help you maintain good oral health.