Improve Your Smile with Tooth Colored Fillings

Even with healthy oral habits, children can find themselves in need of dental restoration. Tooth-colored fillings allow pediatric dentists to provide their patients with aesthetically pleasing results. Here are some details on choosing this restorative option to repair dental cavities.

What are tooth-colored fillings?

Today, patients want teeth to look natural when laughing or smiling, as this can affect their self-esteem. This is why tooth-colored fillings, often made from composite resin, are popular. They consist of durable plastics and glass. Parents may want to request these fillings if the child has a cavity close to the front of their mouth.

What to expect during the composite fillings process

Composite fillings normally require only one tooth preparation and restoration visit. This is because this material bonds well with natural teeth; therefore, the dentist removes less (or none) of the healthy portion of the natural tooth than with some of the alternative materials.

The dentist will first choose a shade of composite that matches the rest of the child's natural teeth. Then, they will numb the tooth and surrounding area to prevent the child from feeling discomfort during the procedure. The dentist will subsequently drill into the tooth enamel and extract the decayed part of the tooth.

When the tooth is ready for the filling, the dentist will etch and bond the tooth before layering the composite resin material into the hollow portion of the tooth. To set each coating, the dentist cures them with a special light. Once the filling has cured, the dentist will shape, contour, and polish the tooth. The last task is to check the bite for comfort and alignment. If discomfort or misalignments occur when biting, the dentist can adjust by further shaving or contouring the tooth.

Following the procedure, patients may experience sensitivity to cold or hot for up to a week. If the issue continues beyond that timeframe, call our office so that we may advise.

Are there alternatives to composites for tooth-colored fillings?

Composite fillings are the most commonly-used tooth-colored fillings, but they are not the only option. For example, suppose the area needing restoration is large or is relied upon heavily for chewing (like the back teeth). In that case, the dentist may recommend a different material for the procedure.

White fillings can be more costly than other options. However, most parents feel the additional cost is worthwhile to help their child achieve a natural look. In addition, the fillings need to be replaced periodically. As the edge of a filling breaks away from the tooth, bacteria can grow between the two and cause decay. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly to have the restoration checked for issues.