Routine Dental Care: What Are Tooth Colored Fillings

Routine Dental Care: What Are Tooth Colored Fillings from Core Dental Group and Implants Center in Quincy, MAUsing dental fillings to treat cavities is one of the most common types of routine dental care. The American Dental Association reports that approximately 91% of adults will experience at least one cavity in their permanent teeth at some point in time. Fortunately, the high demand for this type of dental work has led to developments that offer patients more options when treating tooth decay.

Routine dental care for cavities

Before a cavity can be filled, the decay must be removed from the tooth. While traditional drills are still used in many locations, some offices now offer laser dentistry for this step. This can help speed up the process while offering precise results with less noise. Once the tooth is free of decay, a filling is used to restore the shape and function of the tooth.

Types of dental fillings

When it comes to choosing the right type of dental filling for a cavity, patients now have several options. Currently, most people opt for tooth-colored fillings for a more discreet result. However, in certain situations, a metal filling may be the more appropriate choice. A dentist can help patients make the most appropriate selection based on age, dental history and the location of the affected tooth.

Tooth-colored materials

When a cavity is filled using a tooth-colored material, the results are more natural looking and less noticeable. Most patients prefer this option when receiving routine dental care for decay towards the front of the mouth. However, some patients can also enjoy the discretion of these materials on back teeth when decay is not too severe. Tooth-colored fillings can be made of:

  • Porcelain/ceramic
  • Resin composite (a combination of porcelain and plastic)
  • Glass ionomer (a combination of acrylic and glass, infused with fluoride)

While porcelain and resin composite are used on exposed tooth areas, glass ionomer fillings are typically used to treat decay below the gum line.

Composite fillings, a popular choice among dentists and patients, can be easily adjusted to match the natural shade of a person's teeth. This type of repair usually lasts for approximately five years in adults with proper oral care. Porcelain fillings, which can also be tinted for a realistic finish, tend to last between 10 and 15 years in a healthy adult.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Quincy, MA.

Amalgams and metals

Traditional fillings were made from amalgam, a combination of silver, tin, copper, mercury and zinc. Patients can also request gold fillings. Both materials are still considered safe by the FDA and are incredibly durable, lasting around 15 years in most patients.

Due to its longevity, amalgam is still used for severe decay in some children. However, the silver appearance can be unsightly. In situations that require the strength of metal, a composite filling can be reinforced with stainless steel, offering patients the best of both worlds when needed.

Conclusion

Cavity treatment is a form of routine dental care that most adults will deal with at some point in life. Fortunately, there are tooth-colored filling options that can help make the work appear more natural. A dentist can offer guidance when making the appropriate choice for a patient's needs.

Request an appointment or call Core Dental Group and Implants Center at 617-822-3400 for an appointment in our Quincy office.

Related Posts

Understanding The Benefits Of Dental Bridge

A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. This dental restoration can prevent you from experiencing the complications of tooth loss. Knowing this treatment better can help you prepare for your next visit. Here are some dental bridge benefits that you must consider.Teeth have roots that anchor them to…

Why Dental Implants Are Comfortable And Secure

Dental implants are becoming a very popular choice for replacing missing teeth. Many patients ask about implants because they are known to look and feel the most like natural teeth. Any person could need to replace a missing tooth or teeth for a variety of reasons. You may not have kept up on your oral hygiene…

Welcome To Core Dental Group And Implants Center

We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Quincy, MA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Family Dentist, Dental Implants, All-on-4 Dental Implants, CEREC Dentist, Dental Crowns and Periodontist.