Tooth-Colored Fillings – Beverly, MA
The Discreet Treatment For Decayed Teeth
The Journal of Dental Research recently published a report that found tooth decay is one of the most common diseases across the globe, affecting over 30% of the world’s population. Decades prior, this common dental health issue would be addressed with dark-colored, metal fillings. And while these restorations were effective, they failed in addressing the aesthetic portion of the tooth. Fortunately, our team at Beverly Farms uses tooth-colored fillings today. This discreet treatment for decayed teeth is equally as effective but doesn’t call attention to your care. Keep reading to learn more or contact our office!
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
When the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, it significantly impacts its shape. To prevent the treatment from negatively impacting your bite or smile, a filling is used to restore your tooth. Previously, this process was completed with amalgam fillings, which contained materials like mercury, silver, and tin. Today, tooth-colored fillings are used, which are crafted from composite resin. This biocompatible, durable, extremely lifelike material is chemically bonded with your natural tooth’s structure, effectively restoring the function and aesthetic.
What Are The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
While the cosmetic benefit of this restorative treatment is substantial alone, that isn’t the only reason tooth-colored fillings are preferred by dentists and patients alike. Here are four additional perks:
- They preserve more of your natural tooth’s structure.
- They cause less sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- They better protect against further damage.
- They don’t contain mercury.
How Are Cavity Fillings Placed?
Whether a cavity is detected at your routine dental checkup or because you’ve been struggling with oral pain, the process itself is the same. First, our team will numb the area surrounding the affected tooth, ensuring you are as comfortable as possible while in the treatment chair. Next, we will clean and sanitize the area, determine which shade of composite resin matches best, and begin to work! Once the composite resin is in place, an ultraviolet light hardens the material to protect the fragile, inner portion of your tooth. From there, our dentist in Beverly will ensure your bite is even and make any final adjustments as needed.
Despite your best efforts, decay can form, resulting in a cavity. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean the beautiful, seamless smile you love is gone forever! With tooth-colored fillings, you can regain your pain-free smile while also preserving the aesthetic. Contact our office today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.