Tooth-Colored Fillings – Honolulu, HI
A Lifelike Solution to Repair Damaged Teeth
Did you know that cavities can be contagious? Untreated tooth decay can spread to neighboring teeth, your connective tissues, or your jawbone. The sooner you get it treated, the less likely you are to develop gum disease or infection or sustain additional injuries.
Instead of using metallic amalgam materials to fix your cavities, our team at Dentaworks Hawaii has a lifelike solution to repair damaged teeth. We use tooth-colored composite resin to restore your smile’s functionality without detracting from your appearance. Continue reading to learn more, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions.
Why Choose Dentaworks Hawaii for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Dentists with 20+ Years of Combined Experience
- Membership Plan & Flexible Financing Available
- Resilient, Tooth-Colored Materials
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Instead of using metallic amalgam mixtures, our team utilizes composite resin to create dental restorations and address tooth decay. This putty-like material is made from ultra-fine particles of glass, plastic, or quartz that reflect light like enamel. Plus, it can be customized to match the shade of your natural teeth for seamless results. Unlike silver or copper fillings, they don’t glint in the sunlight or give your teeth a grayish tint.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
It might vary slightly based on your individual circumstances, but typically, we can place tooth-colored fillings in a single appointment that often only lasts about an hour. We begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel any discomfort while we work. Then, we’ll remove decayed sections of enamel and any damaged materials before sanitizing your tooth to kill any remaining bacteria.
Next, we’ll apply color-matched composite resin directly to your tooth in layers to rebuild your enamel. This is hardened in place with a special ultraviolet light and bonds directly with your enamel to protect and preserve its structure. Finally, we’ll remove any excess material and polish the final result.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Historically, amalgam restorations were used to fix injured teeth. Although this material is incredibly durable, it comes with risks. It’s not biocompatible and doesn’t bond with your enamel, so additional “notches” have to be carved into your tooth to anchor them. Plus, metal conducts hot and cold temperatures and can expand or contract, causing sensitivity or eventually causing cracks.
Tooth-colored fillings provide many unique benefits over metallic alternatives, including:
- Natural appearance. This material matches your teeth to avoid drawing unwanted attention, boosting your confidence.
- Preserves your tooth. It bonds directly with your enamel to maintain more of its natural structure than amalgam fillings.
- Prevents adverse effects. Composite resin is considered non-toxic and safe, so you’re less likely to have an allergic reaction or develop sensitivity than with a metal repair.
- Long lasting. These restorations can last 10+ years with the right care to protect your smile over time.
- Easy to clean. Maintaining these fillings is as simple as brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting our team for a checkup every six months.