Tooth-Colored Fillings
Cambridge, OH
 While commonly associated with kids, cavities are a serious issue that affects millions of people both young and old alike. A cavity forms as a result of tooth decay, which occurs when acids from plaque and bacteria, as well as acids from different foods and drinks, erode the enamel of your teeth. This erosion leads to weak spots on the surfaces of your teeth. Eventually, cavities, or small pits, form. While the early stages of tooth decay can often be reversed, cavities cannot. Instead, they need to be treated to prevent them from getting worse. At OHIOSmiles, we can treat cavities with tooth-colored fillings.
What Happens When Cavities Worsen?
While tooth decay can often be reversed, cavities cannot be. Once cavities form, they provide a hiding place for bacteria and can be very difficult to clean completely. With bacteria hiding in the cavity, it only continues to grow larger over time, compromising the structural integrity of the tooth. A cavity can also grow deeper into the tooth, where it can enter into the inner layers. This creates a path for bacteria to get inside your tooth, where it can lead to a painful, very serious infection or a need for a root canal.
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Traditionally, cavities have been treated with amalgam fillings. Amalgam is made up of a mixture of metals suspended in mercury. Once the filling has been placed and cured, it is incredibly hard. Despite their strength, amalgam fillings have several downsides. First, they are silver in color, meaning they stand out very distinctly. The metals can be problematic for those with metal allergies and sensitivities. Additionally, many patients are concerned about mercury content.
Tooth-colored fillings provide an alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin, which is a mixture of plastic, fine glass, and other materials. Composite resin beautifully blends in with the color of your natural teeth, which means that no one will be able to tell that it is there. Another major draw to tooth-colored fillings is that they do not contain any metal or mercury.
How are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?
The process for getting tooth-colored fillings is straightforward and can be completed in a single visit. We begin by cleaning the tooth and removing the decay from the cavity. An etch is then applied to the cavity to create a rough texture. This texture helps to enhance the bond between the composite resin and your tooth. After the acid is washed off and the tooth dried, the composite resin is then placed inside the cavity. Finally, it is cured using a special light and polished smooth.
What are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
There are many advantages to tooth-colored fillings.| • |
The color perfectly blends in with your tooth enamel, creating a seamless restoration of your oral health and appearance of your smile.
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Because composite resin bonds with your natural tooth structure, less tooth removal needs to be done.
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Composite resin can withstand normal daily use and is extremely strong.
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The material does not contain any metal or any mercury. |
Tooth-colored fillings not only restore your oral health, but they can also restore the appearance of teeth affected by cavities, improving the quality of your smile. Call OHIOSmiles at (740) 781-0540 today to schedule your appointment. |
