Metal-Free Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are widely used for cosmetic and restorative dental purposes. Some of the common uses of white fillings are to restore teeth infected by cavities, cracked or misshapen teeth, eliminate excessive gaps between the teeth, etc. They can be customized to mimic the enamel, which keeps them under disguise and prevents anyone from spotting them when you smile or talk.

What are white fillings made from?

Earlier, tooth fillings were predominantly made from metals such as gold, silver, or amalgam. Metal fillings have several disadvantages, such as their toxic nature, disrupting the integrity of the tooth, chances of leakage, displeasing aesthetics, etc. White fillings are a worthy alternative to metal fillings as they resolve almost all such drawbacks. They are usually made from composite resin or ceramic, and the dentist customizes their color, texture, and translucency according to your natural teeth.

Why choose white fillings?

• When it comes to restoring teeth with cavities, composite fillings are the go-to solution. They offer excellent sealing properties, meaning they cover the cavity to perfection and keep the microbes from entering it.
• White fillings can easily be shaped according to the contour of your tooth. They do not harden by themselves, which gives the dentist enough time to shape them. A curing light of the right intensity is used to harden it.
• Composite fillings adhere well to the tooth. In fact, they offer excellent longevity and durability, which almost eliminates any follow-up visits to get them examined by the dentist at regular intervals.
• White fillings are used for multiple purposes, such as re-contouring chipped or misshapen teeth, getting rid of excessive gaps between the teeth, covering occlusal grooves, etc.

What is the procedure for placing a filling?

The dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth to determine the severity of your oral condition. They may also take x-rays and scans of the teeth to get a better view of the cavity or damage to the tooth. The adhered tartar deposits and decay within the tooth will be removed using a hand-held ultrasonic scaling device. The debris and microbes will be washed away using a jet of water.

The dentist will place the filling on the tooth and match it with the color of the enamel. An etching solution will be applied on the tooth to roughen it before placing the filling. The dentist bonds the filling to the tooth and shapes it accordingly. It will be hardened using a curing light, and any excess filling material will be trimmed off to give you a perfect, error-free bite.

To have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Pyle, please schedule an online appointment or call us at (765) 288-6121, and we will be happy to help.