Tooth-Colored Fillings – Ridgefield, CT
Cavity Repair That Blends in with Your Smile
Before dentists discovered that tooth-colored composite resin was the ideal material to treat decay, they primarily used amalgam, or a mixture of various metals like silver and mercury. These fillings not only drew attention to your decayed teeth, but they also contributed to oral health problems down the road. At Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center, we pride ourselves on restoring our patients’ smiles with a healthier and more cosmetically pleasing alternative. Dr. Dana C. Jones and Dr. Josephine A. Franzese are more than happy to heal teeth that have been damaged by decay with tooth-colored fillings rather than unattractive and harmful metal ones.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Through the late 20th century, amalgam fillings were used to treat cavities. Because they were made from metals such as silver, mercury, copper, and tin, they were extremely noticeable in your smile. Advancements in dental technology have led to the discovery that composite resin is a much safer and more discreet solution. This biocompatible substance is comprised of fine particles of glass and plastic. Because it forms a direct chemical bond with your tooth, it offers countless benefits over amalgam fillings.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
In addition to seamlessly blending in with your smile and creating natural-looking results, tooth-colored fillings also:
- Allow you to retain more of your natural tooth structure. Amalgam fillings can’t bond with the enamel, meaning a significant portion of a patient’s tooth had to be carved out to make room. Little to no preparation is required to place a tooth-colored filling.
- Cause less temperature sensitivity. Composite resin is more effective than amalgam at blocking out the nerves in the center of the tooth from exposure to hot or cold foods and drinks that result in discomfort.
- Provides better protection against future damage. The resin seals out the inside of the tooth from harmful bacteria that can contribute to further decay.
How Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Placed
When you see your dentist in Ridgefield for a routine checkup and cleaning, you may learn that you have a cavity that must be filled. Our team will do our utmost to make the process as smooth and painless as possible.
First, we remove the decayed section of the tooth and thoroughly sanitize the area. We then use a shade guide to select the shade of composite resin that most closely mimics the color of your enamel. The cavity is filled with the putty-like resin and is then cured into place within seconds using a special ultraviolet light. After ensuring your bite is even and making any last-minute adjustments, you’ll be good to go!
If you start to experience a severe toothache or you notice that a filling of yours has fallen out, contact our office right away. We offer same-day emergency dentistry treatment, so we can relieve your pain even if you have a problem outside of our regular office hours.