Tooth Colored Fillings

When having dental work done, most patients want the most natural-looking results possible. Now that materials are available to provide tooth-colored fillings instead of amalgam or “silver” fillings, there is an aesthetically-pleasing option for repairing cavities.

The technical term for tooth-colored fillings is “composite” fillings. They are made up of acrylic, quartz or glass filler in a resin that creates a natural look and the material hardens quickly. There is no waiting period for chewing on the repaired tooth once the patient leaves the dentist’s office.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings contain no mercury. Composite fillings are durable and highly resistant to fracturing when used to repair small to medium-sized cavities. Large decayed areas or teeth that must withstand more intense pressure from chewing might require a different type of restoration.

The filling material is already hard when you leave the dental office, therefore, you can chew on it whenever you like.

Besides the unsightly look of silver fillings, composite fillings often require less tooth structure to be removed when a tooth is prepared. These fillings also are held by bonding material in a cavity, which enables the dentist to take a more conservative approach to repairing the tooth in question.

Some sensitivity to extreme cold and hot temperatures is common after a composite filling has been placed, but this sensation typically goes away after a week. If the sensitivity lingers, you should consult with your dentist.