Tooth Colored Fillings In Chappaqua, Westchester NY

At Chappaqua Dentistry, we’re glad to help offer a range of high-quality fillings to restore the appearance of your teeth after the damage that can be done by cavities. The older alternative, amalgam, is still regularly used, but besides being less aesthetically pleasing than white tooth-colored fillings, they can also come with potential health risks that resin fillings don’t have.

Here, we’re going to look at what you need to know about tooth-colored fillings, how they’re applied, and the advantages they can offer you.

About Tooth Colored Fillings

A dental filling procedure is a restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment that is designed to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay. There are a range of different materials used, including metal, porcelain, and resin that can fill the cavity left by decay. As such, this can help repair the structure and integrity of the tooth and fix functional issues, such as enabling you to chew with confidence once again.

Amalgam, which is made of silver, was traditionally the material used most often, due to their high resistance to wear and inexpensiveness. However, they do come with drawbacks, including some potential health issues. For those who want an aesthetic restoration of their teeth, their dark colors can also make them an ill-fitting choice.

Tooth colored fillings, on the other hand, are not only strong, but they are much better for a filling that’s closer to your tooth’s natural appearance. They are made of a hardy composite resin that is mixed until it’s the perfect color for your teeth. As such, they can help you restore confidence in your smile, not just function. Furthermore, if you have teeth whitening treatment in the future, tooth colored fillings are likely to blend in with them much more effectively.

What To Expect From The Treatment Process

In most cases, the placement of a filling takes around an hour, including the consultation before the procedure. There should be minimal discomfort felt during the treatment, as we will use numbing gel and then local anesthetic to dull the sensation of your teeth, gums, and the surrounding skin. However, you are likely to feel some pressure while they’re working in there.

To begin with, our dentists will carefully use a drill to remove the areas affected by decay and to create an easier area to insert the filling into. Then, we will collect the composite once it has been mixed to attain the perfect color to match your teeth. They will carefully apply it into the cavity, before using a special curing light. This helps harden and solidify it all the sooner.

Following your treatment, your mouth will likely feel numb for some hours, still. There may be some initial discomfort remaining once the numbness wears off, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Our dentists will likely have some instructions for you to follow, such as avoiding hot food and drink for a number of hours after the treatment and avoiding chewing any food on the side of the filling for the first day. If there are any complications or unexpected symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us. However, this is very rare for tooth colored fillings.

The Benefits Of Tooth Colored Fillings

The first clear advantage of a tooth colored filling is a much more natural smile. Some people may find that the dark color of older amalgam fillings can make them feel self-conscious. As such, replacing amalgam fillings with their composite alternatives is not an uncommon treatment at all.

Asides from aesthetically, tooth colored fillings have superior bonding, which is a significant benefit in restoring the function of your teeth. By comparison, amalgam fillings can sometimes do additional damage to your teeth, with extra retentive filling needed to hold them in place.

When Do You Need A Tooth Colored Filling?

When it comes to new fillings, only our dentists can recommend when its necessary. They are used primarily as a treatment for cavities. Preventing cavities is the optimal solution, of course, but frequent visits to Chappaqua Dentistry is essential for spotting cavities when they first appear, treating them as soon as possible to stop them from growing and causing further damage to your teeth.

Some patients may also seek tooth colored fillings as a replacement for amalgam fillings, especially if the filling has been discovered to have mercury in it. This is not common, as mercury is banned from use in most countries, including the US, but if you have older amalgam fillings, especially from other countries it may be worth having them inspected by a professional.

How Long Do Tooth Colored Fillings Last?

In many cases, you do not need to worry about a filling becoming chipped, damaged, or coming loose, as they usually last for many years before needing a replacement. Chewing, over time, will make a replacement necessary, and habits such grinding your teeth at night could mean you need to have them replaced sooner. Larger fillings are also slightly more susceptible to damage.

If you can feel or notice any signs of wear and tear on your fillings, such as rougher areas or cracks, then it’s recommended you get in touch with us as soon as possible. Additional damage can also cause cracks in your teeth so it’s wise to have it replaced as soon as possible.

Other Cosmetic Alternatives

For teeth that are otherwise damaged, we have other treatments that could work just as well. If a filling needs to be replaced, for instance, we may recommend a dental crown or porcelain overlay. To make sure you get the right treatment for your situation, frequent check-ins with your us are essential.

Arrange Your Appointment For A Tooth Colored Filling Today

If you want to know more about the benefits of getting a tooth colored filling, or you want to set an appointment to restore your smile as soon as possible, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Chappaqua Dentistry. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you might have and get you treated as soon as possible.