Having a cavity is never fun and getting a filling is never on anyone's list of favorite things. That said, advancements in technology and dental science have made the process of getting a filling far different than it was in years past. Today, patients have a number of different options when it comes to having a cavity filled. One of those options is tooth colored fillings, which can preserve the look and feel of your healthy smile. The team at Premier Dental Care is pleased to offer the following information about these fillings, in the hopes of helping you to make an informed decision concerning your dental care.

Can All Cavities be Filled with Tooth Colored Fillings?

Tooth colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are not suited for all types of cavities. This approach is best suited for cavities that are small or medium sized. The filling material itself is made of a blend of resin and fine particles of glass. The color of the filling material can be customized to match the shade of the patient's natural teeth. That makes composite fillings a great choice for front teeth or tooth surfaces that can be seen while the individual is speaking, laughing, chewing or smiling.

What are the Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Choosing composite fillings brings some advantages. Beyond providing a match to the patient's natural tooth surfaces, these fillings also require less drilling than amalgam fillings. That means more of the natural tooth is preserved, thereby increasing the structural integrity of the tooth. Composite fillings are incredibly strong and can last for a long time when properly cared for.

What is the Process for Getting Tooth Colored Fillings?

A dental visit for getting tooth colored fillings is quick and easy. The dentist will inspect the area, and prepare the tooth for receiving the filling material. A small amount of tooth surface may need to be removed, including any remaining areas of decay. Then, the dentist will create a mold of the contours of the cavity, from which the filling will be made. Once that process is complete, the dentist will place the filling into the cavity, and then apply a special light to harden the resin.  While a composite filling may cost more than a traditional filling, most patients feel that the near-perfect match that can be achieved makes this initial investment well worth it.

The Best Filling is No Filling

At Premier Dental Care, we believe that the best type of filling is no filling at all. We offer a wide range of preventative dental services to help our patients reduce the risk of tooth decay. We welcome you to contact our office to make an appointment for a cleaning or basic dental exam. Until that time, we also encourage you to maintain healthy dental habits, including regular brushing, avoiding sugary or excessively sticky foods, employing proper flossing practices and using your teeth only for eating, and never as tools to open bottles or pry other items. Take care of your teeth to avoid fillings all together!