Tooth-Colored Fillings
Gone are the days when dental amalgam fillings, or metal fillings, are the only option for those faced with cavities. Composite resin, or tooth-colored fillings from our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists offer a more low-key look as the resin can be blended to match your natural enamel color.
Yes, you read that right. Tooth-colored fillings involve no mixture of metals but instead consist of an acrylic resin reinforced with a powdered glass filler. Here at Excel Dental, our doctors choose resin fillings over metal amalgam fillings for a more conservative treatment.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings help your smile to look as natural as possible. Because they match your enamel, you or anyone else will not see any obvious sign of a past cavity.
This composite resin alternative is perfectly safe and will remain strong for years to come. In addition, tooth-colored fillings can be used on either front or back teeth thanks to their durability.
Some other advantages of tooth-colored fillings include:
- Unlike metal amalgam fillings, they do not contract or expand with temperature.
- Your risk of secondary cavities due to possible movement of fillings is greatly reduced.
- Minimal removal of healthy tooth structure required during placement.
What to Expect for the Procedure
If it is determined by our team of doctors that you have a cavity, there are two possibilities. Either the cavity is too large for a filling and requires a dental crown or we will recommend a tooth-colored filling. Here is what you can expect for the general dental procedure.
First, we will properly numb the tooth with a local anesthetic. Once the area in question has been numbed, our doctors will use a dental drill to remove all decayed tooth structure. After the cavity has been removed, it’s time to introduce the composite resin.
The composite filling will be applied in layers and each layer will be light cured, or hardened, with a special dental-grade light device. With the material in place, our doctors will form the resin to firmly fit your tooth.
Request an Appointment With Our Doctors
At Excel Dental, excellent patient care is our top priority. If you are experiencing pain associated with a cavity, our team of dedicated doctors are ready to restore your smile with tooth-colored fillings.
To request an appointment with our family dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, please contact us online or call our office today at (734) 929-9999.