Tooth-Colored Fillings – Soldotna, AK
Natural Solutions to Repair Cavity-Stricken Teeth
Just a few decades ago, if your dentist detected a cavity, your only option was to treat it with a filling made of amalgam, or a mixture of various metals. Not only did this create noticeable dark gray splotches in your smile, but it contributed to further oral health problems down the road. At Soldotna Dental Arts, we take pride in our ability to heal dental patients’ cavities with tooth-colored fillings at our Soldotna, AK dental office. Using a composite resin, Dr. Mike Christensen can restore the shape, size, and structure of your decayed tooth without compromising its appearance. Our dental team wants you to have a smile that looks and feels as healthy and beautiful as can be.
Why Choose Soldotna Dental Arts for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Treatment Personalized for Every Patient
- Highly Experienced Dentist
- Seamlessly Heal Tooth Decay
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Up until the late 20th century, amalgam fillings were the standard when treating teeth that had been damaged by decay. These fillings were made of several different metals, including silver, copper, tin, and even trace amounts of mercury. They were also highly noticeable in your grin.
In recent years, dental technology has greatly progressed, leading to the discovery that composite resin is a safer and more discreet method of restoring a smile after tooth decay. This biocompatible material is made of fine particles of glass and plastic. Because it forges a chemical bond with your tooth, it offers countless benefits that amalgam fillings simply can’t deliver.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
The most obvious benefit of tooth-colored fillings is right there in the name – they can be custom-made to blend in with your existing enamel, creating a seamless and attractive result that’s nearly impossible for onlookers to notice. In addition to offering more natural-looking results, tooth-colored fillings also:
- Preserve more of your natural tooth structure. Because amalgam can’t directly bond with the tooth, more enamel has to be carved out to make room for them. With tooth-colored fillings, very little, if any, enamel removal is required.
- Cause less temperature sensitivity. Due to the chemical bond it forms with your enamel, the composite resin is more effective at blocking the nerves in the center of the tooth, shielding them from pain caused by consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Protects against further damage. Bacteria have a harder time penetrating the powerful bond between the resin and your tooth, minimizing the risk of future infection.
The Process of Getting Tooth-Colored Fillings
Before beginning the treatment process, Dr. Christensen will administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure. While you may experience mild pressure in your mouth, you shouldn’t feel any pain. After removing the decayed portion of your enamel and sanitizing your tooth, we’ll use a shade guide to determine the exact shade of composite resin that best blends in with your smile.
We’ll fill the tooth with resin in layers until it’s built back up to its original structure. Then, we’ll shine a special ultraviolet light on the tooth to harden the resin into place, allowing it to bond with the tooth. Lastly, we’ll make sure your bite is even and make any final adjustments before giving your tooth a polish.
If your filling gives you trouble later on (if it falls out or you experience pain or sensitivity), contact our dental office right away. We offer same-day emergency dental care that prioritizes fast and effective pain relief.