What Are Tooth Coloured Filling- Procedure, Types And Cost

By Author: Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Total Articles: 36
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Overview

Dental fillings are one of the most common types of routine dental care to treat dental cavities.

Almost 91% of adults experience at least one cavity in their permanent teeth during their lifetime.

With an elevated demand for dental work of this nature, there have been many developments that offer patients more options to treat tooth decay.

What Are Tooth Coloured Fillings?

Tooth coloured fillings are Dental restorations and are an innovative new version of the old, metal fillings.

They are designed to be discreet and natural in appearance as they blend well with the teeth and look more natural than amalgam fillings, which are darker and more easily noticeable.

They are also known as Composite Fillings as they are made of a composite resin material that can chemically bond to the teeth and they can be utilized to fill and close off a cavity after the decayed part of the tooth has been removed and also to help repair chipped or broken teeth.

Composite restorations are used to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth.

However, the latest ...
... advances in technology and the composition of composite fillings have made it possible for dentists to use tooth-coloured fillings on molars too, as they receive more wear than other teeth.

What Is the Procedure for Tooth Coloured Fillings?

First and foremost the dentist discusses the options to decide the filling type best suited for the patient and starts by selecting the shade of composite to use in the filling.

A local anaesthetic is administered in the area to numb the tooth and surrounding areas before the procedure and the decay is then removed usually using a dental drill, leaving a sound and strong tooth structure.

The cavity is then cleaned, disinfected and dried to prepare it for the filling material to be placed in it.

This step might involve some tooth shaving for severely damaged teeth.

The filling is then shaped to restore the shape of the tooth and then cured with light for hardening before checking the bite and ensuring that the restoration is comfortable. The tooth is then contoured and polished.

After the Filling Procedure

The patients are usually advised not to eat or drink for 2–3 hours after the procedure.

Some people may experience some sensitivity in the area for a few days following the procedure.

However, if one experiences any pain or if the filling does not feel right, the dentist must be consulted as soon as possible.

What Are the Types of Tooth Coloured Dental Fillings?

When it comes to choosing the right type of dental filling for a cavity, patients now have several options.

Currently, most people opt for tooth-coloured fillings for a more discreet result. However, in certain situations, a metal filling may be the more appropriate choice.

A dentist can help patients make the most appropriate selection based on age, dental history and the location of the affected tooth.

Tooth-Coloured Materials

Filling the decayed tooth using a tooth-coloured material, results in a more natural-looking and less noticeable appearance.

This option is preferred by most patients especially while receiving routine dental care for decay towards the front of the mouth.

These materials can be even enjoyed in the back of the mouth if the decay is not too drastic.

Tooth-coloured fillings can be made of:

Porcelain or ceramic

Resin composite which is a combination of porcelain and plastic

Glass ionomer which is a combination of acrylic and glass, infused with fluoride

Porcelain and resin composite are usually used on exposed tooth areas, while glass ionomer fillings are generally used to treat decay below the gum line.

A popular choice among dentists and patients, Composite Fillings can be easily accommodated to match the natural shade of the patient's teeth.

To Read More, Visit the link below:

https://www.kirklandpremierdentistry.com/blog/what-are-tooth-coloured-filling-procedure-types-and-cost