Gold restorations and mercury containing dental amalgam fillings have been in use for centuries and were considered to be among the most durable and popular dental restorative materials in the recent past. Dental amalgam is easier in its placement and application as compared to all the other filling materials. However, concerns have been shown for the placement of amalgam in teeth by numerous dental professionals as well as patients due to the hazards of mercury toxicity and its dark color. Majority of patients have been attracted towards tooth colored materials for restoration of decayed and carious teeth. Tooth colored fillings have esthetic and cosmetic benefits especially in front teeth and patients feel confident during smiling and display of teeth.

Restorative and cosmetic dentists at Westside Dental Group are well-trained and fully equipped in providing tooth colored fillings to you with excellent outcomes in a patient friendly environment.

Tooth colored fillings give a feeling of natural teeth and people feel more confident in social settings. People remain unaware of your decayed and filled teeth due to their inability to differentiate between natural and restored teeth. Tooth colored fillings can be termed as white fillings or plastic fillings owing to their composition, handling properties and consistency. Different tooth colored materials which are commonly used include dental composite resins, glass ionomer cements and dental porcelain inlays.

Dental composites are the most commonly used materials among all. The procedure for the placement of dental composites is technique sensitive and our experts have vast experience in this regard. They produce a special beveling feature in order to mask the line of demarcation between the filling material and tooth surface when restoring front teeth. This feature also helps in providing strength and increases life of the filling. Final shaping followed by finishing and polishing the restoration produces smooth and shining surface which helps in producing a pleasant and lively smile for you.

Following are the documented benefits of filling teeth with tooth colored materials instead of dental amalgam and other dark colored materials,

• Hazards of mercury intoxications are eliminated,
• Exactly mimics adjacent and opposing natural teeth giving a life-like appearance,
• Produces lovely smiles,
• Minimal or no removal of healthy tooth tissue is required,
• Conservation of natural tooth structure resulting in strong teeth,
• Ability of micro-mechanical bonding with enamel,
• Easy repair can occur with no need for invasive replacement necessity as required for amalgam fillings,
• Polishing can be performed on the same visit,
• Posterior composites are now available for restoring premolars and molar teeth,
• Good color stability,
• Can be easily replaced if damaged.

Longevity of tooth colored fillings depends upon their maintenance and care. Certain precautions must be taken which are,

• Try to avoid biting on hard foods such as raw carrots and ice cubes,
• If you feel high areas on filled surfaces, development of swelling, intense pain, please call our office immediately for additional treatment,
• The gums may get sore for a few days following the treatment procedure. Do not panic,
• Limit intake of alcohol and cigarette smoking.

If you have decayed or damaged teeth or previous dark colored fillings and you want to benefit from tooth colored restorations, then give us a call today at (504) 368-­7000.