Traditional fillings are made of amalgam, a mix of mercury, silver, and other metals. Although they can stop tooth decay and last for many years, they come with some significant disadvantages. For example, they clash with the natural color of teeth, and they may increase sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Today, Dr. Petty is proud to offer a better alternative: tooth-colored fillings in Tullahoma.
Tooth-colored fillings are made out of composite resin, a plastic-based material that contains tiny glass beads. The resin is quite flexible, and Dr. Petty can shade it so it blends in seamlessly with the dentition around it. Once a filling is in place, it will be difficult if not impossible for onlookers to tell that you’ve had any dental work done. The resin fillings may last for up to 10 years before they need to be repaired or replaced.
Of course, one of the most outstanding benefits of tooth-colored fillings is aesthetics. Amalgam is quite dark, and it can even stain the enamel around it. Composite resin, on the other hand, is practically invisible and will never cause discoloration to the surrounding tooth structure.
Other advantages of tooth-colored fillings include:
In most cases, the filling process begins when we numb the tooth and the area around it. However, if the cavity is small enough, numbing may not be necessary. Once we’re sure you’re comfortable, Dr. Petty, your dentist in Tullahoma, will remove the decay from within the tooth and then insert the filling material. A special curing light takes just a few seconds to harden the resin. Usually, appointments for placing the fillings last less than an hour. Following your appointment, your tooth might be extra sensitive for a few days, but you shouldn’t experience any real pain.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your tooth-colored fillings:
Do you believe your smile is in need of a minor repair? Contact Petty Dental to schedule an appoint and discover whether a tooth-colored filling is the right treatment for you.