TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS | NEW ORLEANS, LA
Best Dentist New Orleans
Patients above a certain age will almost certainly have one or two silver fillings — those gray spots that leave their mark on an otherwise beautiful smile. Fortunately, those silver spots are now a thing of the past. These days, tooth colored fillings made of composite resin can be a wonderful solution for fixing minor dental imperfections and cavities. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment option, then schedule an appointment for tooth colored fillings in New Orleans, LA.
WHAT ARE TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS MADE OF?
Tooth colored fillings are an alternative to silver (amalgam) or gold fillings. They are made of a composite resin, a natural substance made of smooth plastic and cement particles. The shade of the resin can be customized to blend perfectly with the surrounding tooth enamel.
Plus, once dry, the resin does not expand and contract in response to heat and cold as easily as silver does — meaning this type of filling keeps more of the remaining tooth structure intact.
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HOW ARE TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS PLACED?
Tooth colored fillings are actually bonded onto the tooth. After the filling has fully hardened, it can stay secure for decades to come.
Each case is different and the exact procedure will vary a bit from patient to patient. In most cases, the process to place a tooth colored filling is as follows:
- The jaw is numbed to make sure you do not feel anything throughout the process
- The decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned
- The tooth is isolated to ensure it remains dry
- The resin, in paste form, is placed into the tooth in multiple layers
- Once all layers have been placed, the filling is cured (hardened) under a special light
- Small adjustments are made to ensure that the filling fits with the surrounding teeth
CARING FOR TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS
Caring for a tooth colored filling is not much different from caring for your natural teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. Visit our office as often as we recommend (usually every six months) for a routine checkup and cleaning. With proper care, the tooth colored filling should stay in place for many years. But, if you experience a problem like a loose filling, increased sensitivity, or anything that does not feel quite right, do not hesitate to contact our office as soon as you can.
