The Natural-Looking Solution for Damaged Teeth
When you need a cavity filled, you want a solution that’s both effective and natural-looking. Tooth-colored fillings offer the perfect blend of durability and aesthetics, allowing you to maintain a beautiful smile while addressing decay. These modern restorations have become the preferred choice for patients seeking high-quality dental care without noticeable metal fillings.
At David Eskow, DDS Family Practice, we offer tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible to others. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional restorative care that preserves both your oral health and your confidence.
Guide to Tooth-Colored Fillings
Known as composite fillings, these restorations are made from resin and fine glass particles. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings that contain metals like silver and mercury, composite fillings are completely metal-free and can be precisely matched to your natural tooth color.
These bonds directly to your tooth structure, needing less reduction of healthy tooth material compared to amalgam fillings. This preserves more of your natural tooth and provides excellent support to the remaining tooth structure.
When light passes through a tooth-colored filling, it translucently reflects off the natural tooth structure beneath, creating an appearance almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth. This optical property is one of the key features that makes composite fillings so aesthetically superior to metal alternatives.
Benefits of Choosing Tooth-Colored Fillings
These fillings offer numerous advantages over traditional metal options:
- Aesthetically pleasing appearance that integrates seamlessly with natural teeth
- Require less removal of healthy tooth structure
- Bond directly to tooth enamel for added strength and stability
- Contain no mercury or other metals
- Insulate teeth from temperature changes, reducing sensitivity
- Can be repaired if damaged, rather than requiring complete replacement
- Harden immediately, allowing you to eat normally right after placement
- Versatile material that can also be used for cosmetic improvements
The natural appearance of composite fillings makes them particularly beneficial for visible areas of your smile. You are able to laugh, speak, and eat with confidence, knowing your dental work remains virtually undetectable.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure
Getting a tooth-colored filling at our practice is a comfortable, straightforward process. During your appointment, we’ll first ensure your comfort by thoroughly numbing the area with a gentle local anesthetic. Many patients report feeling nothing more than slight pressure during the procedure.
Once you’re completely comfortable, we’ll gently extract the decayed part of your tooth and clean the area thoroughly. The prepared cavity is then conditioned with a special solution that helps the composite material adhere more effectively to your tooth structure.
Next, we apply the composite material in thin layers, with each layer precisely matched to your natural tooth color. Using a special curing light, we harden each layer instantly, building up the filling gradually to ensure maximum strength and proper form.
After the filling is placed, we carefully shape and polish it to ensure it fits perfectly with your bite and feels natural. This final step is crucial for both comfort and longevity, as a properly contoured filling is less likely to chip or wear abnormally.
Patients are surprised by how fast and comfortable the procedure is, typically achieved in just one appointment. With proper care, your tooth-colored fillings may last 7-10 years or even longer.
Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Traditional Amalgam
While amalgam (silver) fillings have been used for generations, tooth-colored composites offer several distinct advantages beyond aesthetics:
- Preservation of tooth structure: Amalgam fillings require specific cavity shapes for retention, often necessitating the removal of healthy tooth structure. Composite fillings bond directly to teeth, requiring less drilling and preserving more of the natural teeth.
- Temperature response: Metal fillings conduct heat and cold, which can potentially cause temperature sensitivity. Composites provide better insulation, reducing this common complaint.
- Reduced risk of tooth fracture: Metal fillings expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially making microscopic cracks in teeth over time. Composites maintain a more stable size, reducing this risk.
- Immediate strength: Composite fillings reach their full strength immediately after curing, while amalgam fillings may take hours to fully harden.
Are tooth-colored fillings right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eskow or Dr. Chillari to discuss your specific dental needs.
Typically, fixing a tooth takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, but the time may be shorter or longer, depending on the size of the filling and location within the tooth. However, by the end of your appointment, your tooth will be fully fixed and looking totally natural.
Caring for Your Tooth-Colored Fillings
Maintaining your tooth-colored fillings is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help ensure the longevity of their teeth. While composite fillings are stain-resistant, they aren’t completely stain-proof. Therefore, limiting consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages, such as coffee and tea, helps to maintain their appearance.
It’s also important to avoid habits that could damage your fillings, such as chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth as tools. With good care and routine visits, your tooth-colored fillings can provide years of beautiful, functional service.
Why Choose Our Practice for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
When you choose our practice for tooth-colored fillings, you’re selecting a team that prioritizes both aesthetics and function. We stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and materials to provide you with restorations that look natural and perform exceptionally well.
We take the time to understand your specific concerns and goals, ensuring your treatment aligns with your expectations. Our gentle approach and attention to detail mean you’ll receive a filling that feels comfortable, functions properly, and looks completely natural.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let dental decay progress into more serious problems. Tooth-colored fillings provide an effective, aesthetically pleasing solution to restore your smile’s health and beauty. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, pain, or have been told you need a filling, we’re here to help.
Contact us today at (301) 774-2000 or use our contact form to schedule your appointment. Our team at David Eskow, DDS Family Practice provides exceptional care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
FAQs About Tooth-Colored Fillings in Olney, MD
Are tooth-colored fillings covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover composite fillings, though coverage amounts vary. Our Olney office staff can help verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs.
How long do composite fillings last?
With proper care, tooth-colored fillings typically last 5-10 years. Factors like oral hygiene, bite pressure, and dietary habits can influence longevity.
Will my tooth be sensitive after getting a composite filling?
Some patients experience mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days after getting a new filling. This is normal and typically resolves on its own. If sensitivity persists or worsens, contact our Olney office.
Can children get tooth-colored fillings?
Yes! Composite fillings are an excellent option for children and teenagers, especially for visible teeth where aesthetics matter.
Can existing metal fillings be replaced with tooth-colored ones?
Absolutely. Many of our Olney patients choose to replace their old metal fillings with more natural-looking composite alternatives. Dr. Eskow or Dr. Chillari can evaluate your existing fillings and recommend the best approach.
