Tooth-Colored Fillings

For many years, dentists were quite limited in their choice of dental materials. When it came to dental fillings, for example, silver amalgam was the primary material available. Although amalgam was (and is) quite durable and strong, the silver color made any type of filling very noticeable. Over a period of several years, the silver color actually changes and becomes quite dark, so it looks almost black in color. Fortunately, modern-day dentists have other choices. Although silver amalgam is still available and may be appropriate for some patients in certain situations, tooth-colored fillings made from composite resins are becoming increasingly popular. Like many other dentists, Dr. Baines routinely recommends tooth-colored fillings to his patients in the Austin, TX, area.

What You Should Know about Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dr. Baines uses a composite resin material to create tooth-colored fillings. This remarkable dental material can be made to very closely match the color of the patient’s natural teeth, which means that fillings are barely noticeable. Not only is composite resin the same color as your teeth; it’s also extremely durable, meaning that tooth-colored fillings normally last for many, many years.

The Procedure Involved for Tooth-Colored Fillings

Most patients are familiar with the procedure involved in getting a new filling. That process hasn’t changed for tooth-colored fillings. The first step is to numb the area around the tooth, after which Dr. Baines will remove any existing decay and/or old filling material from the affected tooth. After that, he will thoroughly clean the surface of the tooth in order to prepare it for the filling. Finally, Dr. Baines will create the filling using the composite resin material. In most cases, this procedure is completed in a single trip to our Austin, TX, office.