Tooth-Colored Fillings – Rockville, MD
Repair Your Damaged Tooth with a Lifelike Restoration
Did you know that an estimated 90% of adults who are between 20 and 64 years old have at least one cavity? Bacteria in your mouth work with acids from foods you eat to wear down your enamel. This compromises its structure and can cause aches, an infection, or additional injuries.
Thankfully, Dr. Sanker can repair your damaged tooth with a lifelike restoration that’s color-matched to your natural teeth for seamless results. Continue reading to learn more about tooth-colored fillings, and feel free to contact us with additional questions.
Why Choose Robert J. Sanker, DDS for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Dentist with 40+ Years of Experience
- Customizable Tooth-Colored Materials
- Active Member of the American Dental Association
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In the past, dental fillings were typically made of mixtures of metals, like silver, copper, and tin. Unfortunately, they also contained mercury, which can be toxic if ingested. Also, metal doesn’t bond with your enamel, so your provider must create “wedges” in your tooth to hold these fillings in place. Then, the material can expand and contract with temperature changes, cracking or further eroding your already injured tooth.
Instead of using metallic amalgam materials to repair decay, Dr. Sanker utilizes tooth-colored composite resin to mend the damage. This material reflects light like enamel and can be customized to be the same hue as your natural teeth. Plus, it bonds directly to the surface of your tooth to support its structure.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
It might differ slightly based on your individual circumstances, but getting a tooth-colored filling is typically a relatively simple process. It can be completed from start to finish in a single, hour-long appointment.
First, our team will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area so you don’t feel any discomfort. Then, we’ll remove any damaged materials and sanitize your tooth to remove bacteria to prevent potential problems. Next, we’ll apply color-matched composite resin in layers until the cavity is filled in. Finally, we harden it in place with an ultraviolet curing light before trimming away excess material and polishing it to a shine.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are several advantages of mending your cavities with tooth-colored fillings, such as:
- Boosts confidence. Unlike amalgam fillings, these won’t make your teeth look darker or glint in the sunshine, so no one will know you’ve had work done. The natural appearance can enhance your self-esteem so you look and feel like your best self.
- Preserves your tooth. Resin bonds directly with your enamel to maintain its structure rather than creating notches to hold your filling in place like amalgam.
- Promotes oral health. There’s no metal to expand and contract with hot and cold foods and beverages, keeping your teeth from sustaining cracks or fractures.
- Prevents sensitivity. Some patients are allergic to the metals used in amalgam repairs, which causes sensitivity. Composite resin restorations are non-toxic, BPA-free, and have been tested for biocompatibility.
- Resilient repair. These white fillings can last 10+ years with the right care, making them an excellent long-term solution.