Tooth Colored Filling

Tooth coloured filling treatment combines beauty, brawn for lasting smile health and confidence in Napier

Modern dentists have within their easy reach all kinds of materials and techniques to rebuild broken, decayed, and otherwise damaged teeth. One of the most common and straightforward ways to restore the health, function, and appearance of a damaged tooth is with a filling. As the name suggests, fillings “fill in” the holes or cavities that arise due to that acidic mix of harmful bacteria, starches, and sugars. Bacterial plaque and tartar erode the teeth and inflame the supportive gums.

We at Dentiq use tooth-coloured filling material to treat cavities. Also known as “white” fillings, tooth-coloured fillings are made from composite resin. The resin is perfectly colour-matched to the surrounding teeth, and contains tiny, clear, glass-like particles. These particles contribute to its lifelike appearance, as well as its durability. Generally, patients of Dr. Sundar know that he can rebuild their tooth:

• Cosmetically, with a dental material that looks indistinguishable from natural teeth
• Quickly, as the tooth and filling material may be prepared in a single visit, alongside the actual application of the composite resin
• Conservatively, as little tooth structure is altered to accommodate the resin material

So, the use of composite resin also preserves maximum, healthy natural tooth structure. To better see how we are able to do this is to understand the process of placing the filling. Instead of drilling down the tooth for it to accommodate the traditional silver-coloured amalgam filling, we apply the resin as a liquid in layers. As each layer is applied, the resin is hardened using a specialised dental light. Lastly, refinements are made, and the tooth is polished. It blends in beautifully with the surrounding teeth! Patients with sensitivities to metals, such as the alloys found in amalgam or silver-hued fillings, appreciate that composite resin is a healthy, safe, and long-lasting alternative for them. As visually appealing as white fillings may be, they are also strong and designed and placed to withstand the rigours placed on them from behaviours such as grinding down food. However, just like natural tooth enamel (stronger than skeletal bone!), composite fillings are not impervious to all damage. We will discuss habits and behaviours that can shorten the lifespan of your treated tooth and make it vulnerable to further damage that requires more extensive treatment.

Likewise, we can discuss additional alternatives such as inlays or onlays with you. Effective treatment starts with an evaluation at our Greenmeadows office. Ring us today!