Tooth Colored Fillings

What are Tooth Colored Fillings?

Tooth colored fillings are plastic dental implants that are designed to replicate real teeth. These fillings help to fill in cracks in split or damaged teeth, and they can also be used to help cover gaps that exist in between different teeth. Because tooth colored fillings are made from a plastic resin that closely resembles real teeth, they are often preferable to other types of fillings.

What are Tooth Colored Fillings used for?

Tooth colored fillings are used in much the same way as other types of fillings. They provide stability and support to teeth that have otherwise been damaged due to cavities, cracks, splits or other related conditions. These fillings can also achieve a cosmetic benefit, and are occasionally used to help improve the appearance of the affected tooth.

What are the advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings over other alternatives?

The primary advantage of tooth colored fillings over other types of fillings is the appearance of them. These fillings appear much more realistic than others, and are therefore less noticeable. Tooth colored fillings are fully compatible with different types of sealants. Therefore, a cavity or other damage to the tooth can be protected with sealant at the same time that the filling is implanted to improve the appearance and provide further stability.

Who is a candidate for Tooth Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are common among people of all ages. They are useful for children as well as adults, although they are slightly more commonly used in adult teeth that have been fully developed than baby teeth. Many parents opt for tooth-colored fillings in order to ensure that their children don't suffer from cosmetic challenges as a result of standard fillings.

How is the procedure performed?

Tooth colored fillings are generally installed under general or local anesthetic. After the anesthetic is administered, the dentist may use a drill or a laser to grind down the affected tooth in order to make roof for the filling, if the decay is not suitable to the filling already. After cleaning out the interior section of the tooth, the dentist will inject the tooth colored filling resin into the vacant space. After allowing the filling to set up and harden, the patient is free to go.

What is the recovery like?

The recovery process after receiving a tooth colored filling generally consists of avoiding certain types of foods and drinks. The dentist will limit the patient to foods and drinks that are neither excessively hot or cold. There may be some heightened sensitivity in the tooth as well.

What are the risks?

There are few risks associated with tooth colored fillings. Provided that they are properly maintained and cleaned regularly, the filling should cause no problem or increased risk of infection. Tooth colored fillings may become loosened or begin to leak over time, so it's necessary to have them checked regularly by the dentist to ensure that the filling is maintaining its integrity.