Fix Cavities Discreetly With Tooth-Colored Fillings

At Trinity Dental Loft, Dallas dentist can restore the health and structure of your teeth and the look of your smile in one visit. When teeth have small fractures or areas of decay, we often recommend composite fillings rather than other options for filling in teeth.

What Is A Filling?

A dental filling refers to the material used to fill the hole created by the removal of decay or trauma to the tooth.

What Types of Fillings Are Available?

Dental fillings can be made of a variety of materials including amalgam, composite and glass ionomer. Amalgam is what many people think of when they hear fillings. Amalgam fillings are silver in color; they are an alloy made of metal and liquid mercury. The tooth colored filling materials are generally glass ionomer or composite, with composites being used most frequently. Composite filling materials are made out of a resin polymer and are made to match the color of teeth very well.

Composite fillings are:

• The Most Cosmetic

These fillings come in a variety of shades, even translucent, so your repair can match the color of your teeth perfectly.

• The Most Conservative

Another reason we recommend composite fillings is due to their ability to be used on any size defect where a filling needs to be placed. There’s no minimum amount of space needed, so no unnecessary enamel needs to be removed.

• Versatile

There are many types of fillings available, and composite fillings themselves come in many varieties. More durable composite material can be used for back teeth while lighter and shinier material can be used on visible teeth.

• Repairable

Composite fillings are extremely easy to repair, so you don’t have to worry about chips or breaks. Simply visit your dentist and have the material repaired quickly and affordably.

When is a composite filling not recommended?

There are a couple situations in which a composite filling is not the best treatment option.

• If there is not very much remaining tooth structure to hold in a large filling: If you have had a filling repaired over and over again due to continual fracture or recurrent decay, it may be time to think about a more full coverage restoration such as a crown. If there is not enough natural tooth structure to house the filling, the filling as well as the tooth itself is very prone to fracture- and possibly irreparable fracture. Therefore, in some instances a crown will be the better treatment options.

• If the decay is below the gum line or in a difficult to access place: In order for composite fillings to adhere to the tooth and be long-lasting, the tooth must remain dry during the application of the filling. This is near impossible if the area in question is below the gum line or in the back of the mouth right next to the cheek. In these instances, if the dentist cannot adequately isolate the area to keep it free from saliva, a composite filling may not be an option.

Do You or A Loved One Need A Filling?

If you think you have a cavity or have a broken tooth, schedule an appointment to speak with our dentist about composite fillings.