Restorations Designed To Blend In With Your Smile
Tooth-colored fillings are typically created out of composite resin, which is a tooth-colored material that can be carefully matched to the existing color of your natural teeth so that the restoration blends in with your smile rather than sticking out of it. This is a major factor that makes a tooth-colored filling a top choice for people who have tooth decay in areas of the smile that are visible to other people in social settings.
For patients in North Bethesda, MD, the goal of a tooth-colored filling at Prostho Endo Dental Group isn’t just to fill in the cavity in the tooth. The goal is to help your tooth feel comfortable, look natural, and function well. Since the filling is directly bonded to the tooth, the final result can be smooth and natural, helping to preserve your smile’s natural appearance and health.
A Conservative Approach To Restoring Decayed Teeth
One of the major benefits of a tooth-colored filling is that it is very conservative. Composite resin is able to directly bond to the tooth itself. As a result, tooth decay and other areas of the tooth that require restoration can often be removed more conservatively than some other types of restorative materials. Preserving healthy tooth structure in the mouth is always important because it supports the overall health and function of each individual tooth and the dental arch as a whole.
When we restore a decayed tooth with a tooth-colored filling, we focus on removing only the areas of the tooth that need to be restored while doing our best to preserve the surrounding natural tooth structure for a more conservative, less invasive restoration.
Treatment For Early Decay & Prevention Of Future Decay
Small, minor cavities can often grow into bigger problems without treatment. Tooth decay typically begins in the outer layer of the tooth, where you might not notice anything for a long time, but over the course of time, it can move deeper into the tooth and affect the deeper parts of the tooth. At this point, tooth decay often grows larger and may require a restoration that is more involved.
Tooth-colored fillings at Prostho Endo Dental Group are great for treating and repairing tooth decay before it is able to spread throughout the entire tooth. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health to understand what needs to be treated, which may involve taking x-rays, reviewing your clinical history and oral health status, or using digital imaging technology to get a better sense of what needs to be done with your smile.
Replacement Of Existing Fillings
Old metal fillings are sometimes replaced because they have become discolored, they show while smiling, or they no longer fit properly, which can lead to damage to the surrounding teeth. Most people will not have to replace their old metal fillings, and this is a decision that will need to be made on an individual basis.
If the metal in your older fillings is becoming loose or damaged and needs to be repaired, then the filling might be replaced. In cases where replacement is warranted, tooth-colored fillings can improve both the cosmetic and functional aspects of your existing restoration, creating a smile that looks and feels more natural with a proper fit in your bite.
Restoration That Restores Strength & Function
Of course, a dental filling needs to look natural to the eye, but it also needs to support the chewing, speaking, and biting functions that we use every day. Tooth-colored fillings are designed and finished to feel comfortable and natural when your upper and lower teeth come together.
We at Prostho Endo Dental Group care about the visual appearance of the restoration, but also about how the restoration feels when you bite. A high spot, a spot too low, or even a slightly rough spot on your filling can lead to a problem. We shape and finish fillings to ensure your bite and chewing are as comfortable as possible.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of materials that are strong and able to withstand the forces they are used for, and they can be used to repair a cavity or other damage. Tooth-colored fillings can repair cavities, small chips or cracks, and worn-down teeth, among other dental problems. The material also enables careful shade matching to blend in with your other teeth.
To ensure the long-term success of your restoration, we provide a thorough examination of your mouth to determine whether a filling is appropriate. The team at Prostho Endo Dental Group takes time to look not only at the condition of your tooth but also at factors such as your bite, your overall oral hygiene, and existing dental work.
Even though tooth-colored fillings do repair the damaged area, they do not cure tooth decay, and it is still important to take every measure you can to prevent cavities. Tooth decay occurs when acid and bacteria, along with other factors like poor diet and dry mouth, wear away healthy enamel.
After replacing a filling, we might work with you to reduce the possibility of cavities in the future. We might recommend brushing and flossing more regularly, or we may provide guidance to help you clean more effectively. In other cases, we might offer suggestions for better nutrition, prescribe a fluoride supplement, or recommend a more thorough cleaning. We help our North Bethesda, MD, patients understand how to keep their mouths healthy.
With the right care, tooth-colored fillings can look and last like the rest of your teeth. You will need to keep brushing and flossing every day and make regular dental visits. It is also a good idea to avoid habits like biting fingernails, eating ice, or chewing on pens, all of which can damage the teeth and the fillings.
If you notice that you have sensitivity or rough edges to a filling, or that something is different when you bite together, it might help to make an appointment so we can look at it. Tooth-colored fillings from Prostho Endo Dental Group look great and perform great. We make sure your filling fits your unique needs and your bite so that you can enjoy a great-looking smile that is durable and comfortable.