Composite fillings are an attractive alternative to dark amalgam fillings. They are esthetically pleasing and require very little removal of tooth structure. The composite material “flows” into the area to be filled creating a seamless, natural restoration. The composite then can be shaped and polished to look exactly like the tooth. Many times if the restoration is small, little or no anesthetic is used.
Advantages of tooth colored fillings over amalgam fillings:
- Research shows that they are healthier to the body than the original amalgam fillings.
- They can preserve more natural tooth structure and be made much smaller.
- There is less thermal expansion (hot and cold) and they create fewer crack lines over a period of time than do amalgam fillings.
How it is done:
- The surface of the tooth is abraded to create an area for the composite material to adhere to.
- A shade is chosen which precisely matches the color of the tooth.
- The tooth is then coated with a conditioning liquid which helps the composite adhere more seamlessly.
- After the composite sets, the dentist will trim the composite so it is perfectly smooth with the surface of the tooth.
- This is all done in one easy visit.
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Replacing Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
with White Fillings
Changing a silver filling to a white filling is an easy and
relatively inexpensive way to restore the natural look of your
tooth. Silver fillings tend to wear or "tarnish" over time creating an unsightly gray look to the tooth. A white filling can be just as strong and is shaped and polished to improve
the appearance of the tooth.
How it is done:
- First the old silver amalgam is removed from the tooth.
- Then an area of retention is created so the composite material will have something to adhere to.
- The area is then etched, desensitized and the material is then bonded on layer by layer.
- The bite is adjusted and made sure that it is smooth to the tongue.
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Tooth colored restorations for cervical
abrasions and gum recession
As
a patient’s gum line recedes the tooth structure normally below the gum line is less resistant to abrasion by tooth brushing and other natural wear and tear. This can lead to decay, temperature sensitivity and gum inflammation. Our office has perfected the technique of restoring these areas while matching the patients natural tooth color. It is probably one of the most conservative procedures we do. When the abrasion is slightly
below the gum line, we also have state of the art laser technology that allows us to do these perfectly. Therefore
the work can almost always be done in one visit and is virtually
pain free start to finish.
How it is done:
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