Tooth-Colored Fillings For a Healthier, Stronger Smile
Are you looking to repair your smile, but want to avoid the dangers of amalgam fillings? Have you had your metal fillings removed and you’re looking for a sturdy and stable replacement? At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, holistic dentist, Dr. Larry Bowden, can help you effectively restore your smile with tooth-colored fillings. Learn more about these seamless, healthier alternatives to amalgam fillings by dialing (503) 675-7300. 
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings or white fillings, are a modern alternative to traditional silver (amalgam) and gold fillings. They’re made from a mixture of resin and glass particles and are designed to match the natural color of your teeth. Much like traditional amalgam fillings, composite fillings are used to repair damage to your teeth, strengthening them and protecting them against future injury.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings offer numerous benefits, which have made them the preferred option for smile restoration. Some of the benefits of tooth-colored fillings include the following:
- Natural-looking: Tooth-colored fillings blend in with your natural teeth, making them aesthetically pleasing. This is especially important for fillings in visible areas of your mouth, such as your front teeth.
- Safe: Tooth-colored fillings are mercury-free, unlike amalgam fillings. Mercury is a toxic metal that can be harmful to your health.
- Durable: Composite fillings are strong and can last for many years with proper care.
- Versatile: Tooth-colored fillings can be used to repair a variety of dental problems, such as cavities, chips, and cracks.
- Conservative Restoration: Tooth-colored fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to traditional amalgam fillings. This preservation of natural tooth material helps maintain the strength of the tooth.
- Bonding Strength: Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, providing additional strength and support. This bonding can help prevent fractures and leaks that sometimes occur with traditional amalgam fillings.
- Temperature Stability: Tooth-colored fillings are less sensitive to temperature changes than amalgam fillings. This means they are less likely to expand or contract in response to hot or cold foods and beverages, reducing the risk of tooth fractures over time.
- No Corrosion: Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings do not corrode over time. Corrosion in metal fillings can lead to discoloration of the surrounding tooth structure and may compromise the integrity of the restoration.
- Improved Comfort: Tooth-colored fillings do not conduct heat or cold as much as metal fillings. This can result in a more comfortable experience for individuals who may have experienced tooth sensitivity with amalgam fillings.
- Biocompatibility: Composite resin, the material used for tooth-colored fillings, is generally well-tolerated by the body, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities that can sometimes occur with other dental materials.
- Quick and Painless Application: The process of placing composite fillings is usually quicker and less invasive than traditional amalgam fillings. Patients often experience less discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Repairability: If a tooth-colored filling becomes damaged or worn over time, it can be easily repaired or replaced without the need for extensive dental work.
- Prevention of Microleakage: Tooth-colored fillings have the advantage of forming a strong seal with the tooth. This reduces the risk of microleakage, which is the passage of bacteria or fluids between the filling and the tooth. This can contribute to the long-term success of the restoration.
Who Qualifies For Tooth-Colored Fillings?
You may qualify for tooth-colored fillings if any of the following apply to you:
- Size of the Restoration: Tooth-colored fillings are often suitable for small to medium-sized cavities. Larger restorations may need alternative materials.
- Location of the Tooth: Tooth-colored fillings are commonly used for visible teeth, including front and premolar teeth, due to their natural appearance. For molars and teeth that endure heavy chewing forces, Dr. Bowden might recommend other materials.
- Extent of Tooth Damage: Tooth-colored fillings are effective for repairing minor to moderate damage, such as cavities, chips, or cracks. Extensive damage may necessitate more extensive restorative treatments like crowns or inlays and onlays.
- Patient’s Oral Hygiene and Health: Individuals with good oral hygiene practices are generally good candidates for composite fillings. The success of these fillings depends on maintaining a healthy oral environment.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Process
Consultation
Before the composite filling process begins, you will have a consultation with Dr. Bowden at Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego. During this session, your Lake Oswego holistic dentist will assess your dental health, discuss symptoms, and identify the need for a tooth-colored filling.
He’ll conduct a thorough dental examination to determine the extent of tooth decay, or damage. X-rays may be taken to assess the condition of the tooth beneath the surface. Dr. Bowden will also explain the procedure, address any concerns, and provide information on the benefits of tooth-colored fillings, such as their natural appearance and compatibility with the teeth.
Preparation
To ensure a comfortable experience, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. This helps minimize any potential discomfort during the procedure. If there are existing amalgam fillings that need replacement, Dr. Bowden will carefully remove them using proper safety protocols to cut mercury exposure. The tooth will be thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the new tooth-colored filling.
The damaged or decayed part of the tooth will be removed, creating a clean and stable foundation for the tooth-colored filling. Dr. Bowden will use specialized dental instruments to shape the tooth, ensuring proper adherence to the filling material.
Filling Placement
Dr. Bowden will determine the appropriate shade of the tooth-colored dental filling materials to match the natural color of your teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. The tooth-colored filling material, usually a composite resin, will be applied in layers. Each layer is carefully cured with a special light to bond it securely to the tooth.
Dr. Bowden will then sculpt and shape the filling to replicate the natural contours of the tooth. This step is crucial for achieving a realistic appearance and ensuring a proper bite alignment. Once the filling is in place and shaped appropriately, Dr. Bowden will polish the surface to create a smooth and polished finish.
Tooth-Colored Dental Filling Aftercare
Following the tooth-colored filling procedure, it’s essential to follow aftercare guidelines to promote healing, maintain oral health, and maximize the longevity of the restoration. Dr. Bowden recommends the following aftercare tips for your tooth-colored fillings:
- Oral Hygiene: Continue with regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the filling or surrounding teeth. Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between the teeth.
- Dietary Considerations: Avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few days to minimize sensitivity. Be cautious with hard or sticky foods that may exert excessive force on the filling.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Bowden to ensure the filling is stable, and there are no issues with the restoration.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products, as they can stain the filling and contribute to oral health issues.
- Maintain Regular Dental Checkups: Continue with regular dental checkups and cleanings to monitor the health of your teeth and catch any potential issues early.
- Protective Measures: Consider using a mouthguard if you engage in activities that put your teeth at risk of injury, such as playing contact sports.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain oral health and promote well-being.
- Monitor for Changes: Pay attention to any changes in the appearance or feel of the filling. If you notice anything unusual, contact our Lake Oswego office promptly.