What Are Tooth Colored Fillings?

Tooth Colored Fillings CoupleIf you have ever had a cavity, you are probably familiar with dental fillings, which repair a decayed tooth. In the past, fillings were made from materials such as gold or silver. However, they are now made from tooth-colored materials and more inconspicuous than ever. Find out more about tooth-colored fillings and how they can help your smile with Dr. Bruce Hanley in Arlington, VA.

What is a filling?
A dental filling repairs a decayed tooth before the decay has reached the tooth’s inner pulp chamber. The process involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth, cleaning the infection from the area, then — as the name implies — filling the area in. Earlier versions of this procedure used amalgam to fill the area, which was a dark color that stood out from the tooth. Now, however, tooth-colored fillings use a composite resin material to fill the tooth. This material can be customized to fit into a patient’s existing smile and provide a subtler, less obvious look.

What can I expect during a filling procedure?
A filling procedure begins with your dentist administering a local anesthetic to the area of the tooth to ensure you do not feel any discomfort during the filling treatment. Then, they will remove the decayed portions of the tooth. This leaves behind a hole, which your dentist then fills using the composite resin materials. Your dentist then reshapes the tooth, allowing it to fit back into your mouth’s natural bite.

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Arlington, VA
Do not hesitate when it comes to the health of your smile. An untreated cavity can be treated with a dental filling in its earliest stages. However, a deeper, more significant cavity which has infected the soft tissues inside the tooth’s pulp chamber requires a root canal. Treating your cavity helps you avoid this more complex procedure and, in some cases, even a toothache.

To learn more about tooth-colored fillings, please contact Dr. Bruce Hanley in Arlington, VA. Call 703-524-7100 to schedule your appointment for a tooth-colored filling today!

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