Routine Dental Care: What Are Tooth Colored Fillings

Using dental fillings to treat cavities is one of the most common types of routine dental care. The American Dental Association reports that approximately 91% of adults will experience at least one cavity in their permanent teeth at some point in time. Fortunately, the high demand for this type of dental work has led to developments that offer patients more options when treating tooth decay.

Routine dental care for cavities

Before a cavity can be filled, the decay must be removed from the tooth. While traditional drills are still used in many locations, some offices now offer laser dentistry for this step. This can help speed up the process while offering precise results with less noise. Once the tooth is free of decay, a filling is used to restore the shape and function of the tooth.

Types of dental fillings

When it comes to choosing the right type of dental filling for a cavity, patients now have several options. Currently, most people opt for tooth-colored fillings for a more discreet result. However, in certain situations, a metal filling may be the more appropriate choice. A dentist can help patients make the most appropriate selection based on age, dental history and the location of the affected tooth.

Tooth-colored materials

When a cavity is filled using a tooth-colored material, the results are more natural looking and less noticeable. Most patients prefer this option when receiving routine dental care for decay towards the front of the mouth. However, some patients can also enjoy the discretion of these materials on back teeth when decay is not too severe. Tooth-colored fillings can be made of:

  • Porcelain/ceramic
  • Resin composite (a combination of porcelain and plastic)
  • Glass ionomer (a combination of acrylic and glass, infused with fluoride)

While porcelain and resin composite are used on exposed tooth areas, glass ionomer fillings are typically used to treat decay below the gum line.

Composite fillings, a popular choice among dentists and patients, can be easily adjusted to match the natural shade of a person's teeth. This type of repair usually lasts for approximately five years in adults with proper oral care. Porcelain fillings, which can also be tinted for a realistic finish, tend to last between 10 and 15 years in a healthy adult.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Oviedo, FL.

Amalgams and metals

Traditional fillings were made from amalgam, a combination of silver, tin, copper, mercury and zinc. Patients can also request gold fillings. Both materials are still considered safe by the FDA and are incredibly durable, lasting around 15 years in most patients.

Due to its longevity, amalgam is still used for severe decay in some children. However, the silver appearance can be unsightly. In situations that require the strength of metal, a composite filling can be reinforced with stainless steel, offering patients the best of both worlds when needed.

Conclusion

Cavity treatment is a form of routine dental care that most adults will deal with at some point in life. Fortunately, there are tooth-colored filling options that can help make the work appear more natural. A dentist can offer guidance when making the appropriate choice for a patient's needs.

Request an appointment or call Everest Dental at 407-588-4388 for an appointment in our Oviedo office.

Related Posts

Implant Dentisty Options For Long Lasting Tooth Replacement

There are several options available to patients after losing a tooth. One of the more popular options -- and perhaps the longest-lasting solution – is implant dentistry. This involves the placement of one or more dental implants, followed by the attachment of abutments and a crown, bridge, or denture.Depending on the number of teeth that…

An Implant Dentist Explains The Parts Used In The Procedure

If you are considering implant dentistry or are about to go through the process and want to learn more about it, it is helpful to first understand the basics. Here, we will discuss the various parts that make up an implant dentistry restoration and highlight how they all work together to complete the restoration.An implant…

Get A Smile Makeover From A Cosmetic Dentist

Most people want a great smile, but many of them have one or more dental imperfections that decrease their confidence. A cosmetic dentist offers a variety of procedures that help improve one's appearance. After going over a patient's goals and budget, a dentist can help determine what a teeth makeover might consist of. A teeth makeover…

Everest Dental

Share
Published by
Everest Dental

Recent Posts

Implant Dentisty Options for Long Lasting Tooth Replacement

There are several options available to patients after losing a tooth. One of the more…

2 days ago

An Implant Dentist Explains the Parts Used in the Procedure

If you are considering implant dentistry or are about to go through the process and…

1 week ago

Get a Smile Makeover from a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist offers a variety of procedures that help improve one's appearance.

2 weeks ago

How Often Should You Get a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

This blog post will discuss the recommended frequency of deep teeth cleaning to ensure optimal…

2 weeks ago

Implant Dentistry and Tooth Decay Risks

Implant dentistry is a popular form of teeth replacement due to its advantages over alternative…

2 weeks ago

Implant Dentistry Options for Multiple Missing Teeth

Implant dentistry is growing in popularity due to the unique benefits that it offers over…

3 weeks ago