Repair Your Tooth and Restore Your Oral Health with Tooth-Colored (Composite) Fillings

In the past, silver-colored fillings were the standard for treating dental cavities. However, composite fillings emerged as patients sought safer, more aesthetically pleasing options. These fillings, made of tooth-colored, long-lasting materials, offer a functional restoration and a natural-looking outcome. 

Composite fillings are also versatile. The dentist can use dental fillings to:

• Treat decay: Placing composite fillings over your decayed tooth restores your tooth to its pre-damage state. 
• Repair minor tooth damage: Do you have minor cracks or chips in your teeth? We can repair them with tooth fillings.
• Cover exposed roots: Dr. Mohan can apply tooth-colored resin to cover exposed roots caused by gum recession or aggressive brushing.
• Cosmetic modifications: Composite fillings can aesthetically improve minor stains, gaps, and misalignments to achieve a beautiful smile. 

To begin with, the dentist will examine your tooth with dental X-rays to determine the extent of tooth damage. If the decay is too deep, you may need advanced treatments like dental crowns or root canals to achieve lasting results. 

If a tooth filling is all that is needed, we’ll numb your gums with local aesthetics to ensure you are comfortable during the process. Our dentist treats even tiny cavities because decay doesn’t improve once it forms. Rather than letting the cavity worsen, it’s best to address it early at the surface.

After numbing you, we will extract the tooth’s damaged areas and clean the surrounding area until the infection is completely gone. Next, we’ll apply the composite material and reshape it to match the natural contours of your tooth. We’ll then cure the filling with a special light to create a durable restoration. Once we’ve ensured your bite feels comfortable and looks natural, we’ll polish the tooth for a smooth, seamless finish. Your restored tooth will blend perfectly, functioning like the others without pain or sensitivity.

Composite fillings are moldable in their raw form, but they last many years once they bond with the tooth. With proper maintenance, your filling can last 5-8 years or longer. 

But how should you maintain your tooth filling? It’s simple.

• Brush and floss your teeth diligently
• Use a mouthwash to reach areas your toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach
• Adhere to regular dental cleanings and exams
• Wear a bespoke mouthguard to protect your teeth from bruxism
• Avoid smoking and heavily pigmented foods (soda, coffee, and red wine) because composites can stain
• Don’t use your teeth to open bottles or chew on ice (these poor oral habits can chip or fracture natural teeth, too).