Over time, our dental hygiene habits can lead to decay of the teeth or deep cavities. When this happens, you may be in need of fillings for cavities, which is one of the most common general dentistry services that we offer here in Las Colinas. In years past, teeth were filled with a mixture of different metals when it came time to correct decay or fill cavities. However, through advancements in dental technology, the majority of fillings are now tooth-colored. Also referred to as composite resins or composite fillings, tooth-colored fillings are a wonderful – and highly sought-after – option because they provide durability and look natural.

Today’s fillings are natural-looking and metal-free, which is great news for dental patients all over the country. Here at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry of Las Colinas, we advocate for patient safety and also understand how important it is for you to leave our office with a bright, natural-looking smile. This is why we proudly offer tooth-colored fillings to correct a wide range of dental problems. In the past, amalgam tooth fillings were the only option, resulting in dark, highly visible restorations that actually contained traces of mercury. As you can imagine, this was not a good thing. Thankfully, the tooth-colored fillings are a long-lasting, much safer option that strives to match the natural color of your tooth. A perfectionist, Dr. Anup Naik believes in only offering the highest quality of products and services, which is why tooth-colored fillings are one of our top general dentistry services.

WHAT ARE TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?

Tooth-colored fillings are often celebrated for providing good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings. Regardless of how careful you try to be, regular wear and tear over time can cause damage, which is why it is of the utmost importance to have a filling that can withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing.

If you are in need of new fillings or are looking to have your old metal fillings replaced, we encourage you to contact Cosmetic and Family Dentistry of Las Colinas. Dr. Naik and his team are committed to patient education and strive to keep communication lines open, providing you with the opportunity to learn more about your options and why we recommend tooth-colored fillings before the actual procedure. Let’s now take a closer look at what, exactly, tooth-colored fillings are and why they may be right for your needs.

Often comprised of the same composite that is used in porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings are applied in layers over the cavity and then hardened into a shape that conforms to the rest of your teeth. At the end of the procedure, Dr. Naik will polish your brand-new tooth-colored composite in order to prevent staining and early wear and tear. With that in mind, here are a few of the top benefits of tooth-colored fillings:

  • The material used for these fillings does not turn black or discolored with age
  • There is less sensitivity to heat and cold than with other types of fillings
  • Composite fillings effectively seal the tooth, preventing any penetration of food, bacteria, and acid
  • The material used hardens more quickly than with metal amalgam fillings
  • They do not contain mercury (unlike amalgam fillings, as mentioned above)

If you combine all of these benefits, it is easy to see why tooth-colored fillings are the option of choice among today’s dentists.

There are many reasons why Dr. Naik may recommend tooth-colored fillings, including the following:

  • Tooth decay
  • To replace mercury fillings
  • To have a natural, white, and bright smile

To learn more about our Irving tooth-colored fillings, please do not hesitate to contact Cosmetic and Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today. We are happy to discuss your options with you, ensuring you end up with the right choice for your specific needs.