Tooth-Colored Fillings – Arlington, TX 

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Fillings repair tooth structure that has been damaged by decay, keeping your tooth healthier in the long run. Tooth-colored fillings are made of durable composite resin, a putty-like mixture of ultrafine plastic and glass particles. Because they contain no metal, they may be safer for some patients. Best of all, unlike metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings can be shaded to match the natural color of your teeth, so nobody will ever need to know you’ve had restorations!

The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling

Short on time? You’re in luck, because tooth-colored fillings usually can be done in just one single appointment of around one hour (though the exact time will vary). Getting a tooth-colored filling is easy. Here’s what you can expect from your treatment:

• First, Dr. Atluri will numb the area around your tooth where the filling is being placed.
• Next, she will remove the decayed sections of your tooth enamel.
• Then your tooth will be sanitized so no bacteria is sealed behind your new filling.
• Now, the color-matched composite resin is applied to the tooth inlayers until all your removed enamel has been restored.
• Next, Dr. Atluri will harden the layers of composite resin using an ultraviolet curing light. This should only take a few seconds.
• Now your tooth can be reshaped and sculpted, and any excess material will be trimmed off.
• Finally, your tooth will be polished to perfection, and you’ll be free to go use it just as you would a healthy, untreated tooth!

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings have many benefits over amalgam metal fillings, including:

• A natural-looking appearance. Not only is your resin custom shaded to match your teeth now, but you needn’t worry about your nearby teeth discoloring later like they might next to a metal filling.
• Because the composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, the attachment is much more stable than other types of restoration.
• Less enamel must be removed for the filling, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
• Less tooth sensitivity, as the composite resin does a better job shielding your tooth’s nerves from aggravating stimuli.
• Ideal for patients who are allergic or sensitive to metal.
• Healthier in the long term, as the expanding and contracting of amalgam metal fillings can weaken the teeth, causing sensitivity as well as an increase in the risk of chips, cracks, or fractures.
• Can last for up to seven years.
• Require little maintenance beyond basic dental care including brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits with Dr. Atluri.