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White Fillings

SmileCare Dental of Fitchburg / White Fillings

White Dental Fillings

Composite resin or tooth colored fillings provide good durability for repairing cavities. They can be used anywhere in the mouth and are an excellent choice to blend the filling in with the natural tooth.

In the past, amalgam or metal fillings were the primary solution for filling cavities. Today, however, tooth-colored fillings are most used because they can blend in with the natural tooth color.

The resin used to make the composite filling is made of powdered glass and plastic resin. These combine to fill the cavity, providing a natural appearance that blends in seamlessly with the natural teeth. They can be used on front and back teeth.

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FAQs

Is a composite filling right for me?

Composite fillings work well on small to medium cavities and for people who want to maintain the natural look of their teeth. They are also ideal for people who may be allergic to metal.

What is the difference between composite fillings and amalgam fillings?

Composite fillings are made of powdered glass and plastic resin. They are designed to be similar in color to your natural teeth so make for a more aesthetically pleasing restoration. Amalgam fillings are made of various metals and are very durable. Amalgam fillings are also less expensive. However, they are more noticeable and may not be ideal for allergy-prone patients.

What is the process for getting a composite filling?

We will begin the procedure by numbing the area so you will not feel any discomfort or pain. Then we will remove the portion of your tooth that is decayed and prepare the tooth for the filling. We will clean the area to ensure we have removed any bacteria prior to placing the composite material in the filling. We place the composite material in layers, hardening each previous layer before moving on to the next. Once the final layer is hardened, we will shape and polish the filling so that it will blend in seamlessly with the natural tooth.

What happens after my filling?

You can continue to your normal activities. The filling is hardened during the procedure, so there are no special precautions you need to take. However, please note that your teeth may be a bit sensitive, especially to temperature, in the days right after your filling is placed. If this sensitivity lasts more than a week, call our office.

How long will my filling last?

On average, composite fillings last around five years. However, if you take excellent care of it, it can last much longer. Practice good oral hygiene and maintain regular visits with SmileCare Dental to ensure your filling lasts as long as possible.

Is it possible for my filling to fall out?

It is possible for a filling to fall out, however, this tends to only happen when the filling is worn out. If you maintain twice yearly visits with your dentist, we can monitor the wear of your filling and replace it at the first indication. If your filling needs to be replaced, we will remove the old filling and replace it with a completely new one. For some patients, we may be able to repair their previous filling by adding additional layers of composite. We will aim to repair as often as possible so that we can ensure the integrity of your natural tooth structure.

SmileCare Dental of Fitchburg