Tooth-Colored Fillings in Allentown, PA
Silver amalgam dental fillings have been used for decades, but modern tooth-colored fillings offer a healthier, more aesthetic alternative.
Our Allentown dentist stays current with the latest technology and treatments at Evolve Dental Care to provide the highest quality dentistry. Updated materials like tooth-colored composite resins allow us to provide the vital service of keeping your teeth healthy while enhancing your smile's appearance.
Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings Save Teeth
When you get a tooth cavity, you need to fill it as soon as possible. If we don't, the decay will continue to spread and eventually penetrate the part of your tooth that holds its nerves and cause pain.
If you delay treatment long enough, you can develop a dental abscess or infection requiring root canal treatment. You may not like the idea of root canals, but it's the only way to save an infected tooth. You will likely lose the tooth if we don't perform a root canal.
As you can see, having a tooth filled as soon as you feel that first twinge of pain can save you discomfort, high dental costs, and possible tooth loss.
How Do Tooth Cavities Develop?
Plaque is a bacteria-filled sticky film that coats your teeth. The bacteria feed on carbohydrates and produce acid that erodes dental enamel and leads to cavities.
The best way to avoid cavities is to avoid sugary foods and practice consistent oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing remove plaque and prevents the chain reaction that causes cavities.
Composite Dental Fillings Blend with Your Smile
Teeth that are cared for properly are resilient, beautiful, and highly functional. So the material used for a dental filling must mimic the strength, durability, and beauty of your teeth under normal biting conditions.
Our dentist in Allentown finds that tooth-colored fillings material are strong and durable and stand up to years of wear and tear. And, unlike traditional amalgam fillings, we customize composite fillings to closely match the appearance of surrounding teeth. The result is virtually undetectable restorations.
Since composite filling material closely mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel, we can also use it to fix esthetic problems like chipped or broken teeth.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Preserve Tooth Structure
Metal fillings not only discolor a tooth but can also fracture it because of how they need to be placed. When a dentist places a silver amalgam filling, they use a process called "undercutting" to remove healthy structure and make enough space in the tooth to place the filling.
When placing a tooth-colored filling, we numb the area to ensure you remain pain-free. Then Dr. Mojahed removes the decay and applies a bonding liquid to the remaining tooth structure. He shapes the filling to match the tooth's contours, then hardens it with a special curing light. The final step is to polish the composite resin for a smooth finish that resists staining.
Three Tips to Prevent Cavities
Dental decay is common, and most of us will get a cavity at some point. But you can dramatically decrease your risk of tooth decay by taking a few simple steps.
- Improve your oral hygiene habits — Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once to remove plaque buildup that leads to cavities. Ask your dental hygienist to show you the correct ways to brush and floss to ensure you get the most out of your efforts.
- Schedule twice-yearly dental checkups — Follow up on your oral hygiene habits with visits to Evolve Dental Care every six months for exams and teeth cleanings. We'll look for early signs of decay and treat the tooth long before it causes discomfort.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks — Drinking soda all day or consuming too many sweets can easily lead to tooth decay. The bacteria on your teeth feed on sugar, which produces acid as a byproduct that eats away dental enamel and causes cavities.
Safety Concerns Regarding Silver Fillings
Silver amalgam filling material is considered safe based on the most up-to-date, reliable evidence. Even so, most people don't want them in their mouths.
Tooth-colored fillings in Allentown, PA, are just as durable as silver fillings and stand up well to normal wear and tear.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding Improves Your Smile
The composite material used for tooth-colored fillings closely resembles the appearance of dental enamel. This natural-looking quality makes composite resin filling material perfect for dental bonding.
During this procedure, our cosmetic dentists build up portions of your tooth to improve its appearance.
We commonly use dental bonding to address numerous cosmetic flaws:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Chips along the edges of your teeth
- Size or shape discrepancies
- Wide gaps between teeth
- Severe tooth staining
In most cases, we don't have to numb your teeth to perform dental bonding. The procedure is so straightforward that we can often repair two or more teeth during the same appointment.
Contact Evolve Dental Care for More Information
If you think you have a cavity and need a tooth-colored filling, please call our dental office in Allentown to schedule an appointment.
In recent years, there has been an enormous improvement in the types of materials available for dental restorations. One that has been especially beneficial for our patients is tooth-colored dental composite, a blend of plastic and glass particles that closely resembles natural dental enamel.
look to a natural tooth.
