Tooth-Colored Fillings – Studio City, CA
A Discreet Approach to Cavity Repair
At Studio City Dental Arts, Dr. Shahrestany and our team treat cavity-stricken teeth day after day. Although the goal is to prevent dental caries from developing, we are here to provide a more discreet approach when cavity repair is required. With tooth-colored fillings, we can restore your ability to eat and speak without compromising your appearance. If you are interested in learning more about this subtle approach to restorative care, call our office to schedule an appointment today.
Why Choose Studio City Dental Arts for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Children and Adults are Welcome in Our Dental Office
- Saturday Dental Appointments Available
- Sedation Dentistry Available for Nervous Patients
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
When a tooth is damaged by dental decay, a tooth-colored filling can be used to keep it firmly in place and last longer. Our team uses composite resin as opposed to traditional amalgam to fill cavity-stricken areas. This more malleable solution consists of a putty-like mixture of ultra-fine plastic and glass particles. Containing no metal, it can be much safer than regular amalgam.
By using composite resin, we can color-match it to your existing enamel shade so that it will blend in and make it harder for anyone to notice that you’ve received dental work.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
When placing a tooth-colored filling, you can entrust Dr. Shahrestany and our team to make the process as simple and painless as possible. Placing a dental filling only requires one appointment and should only last about one hour; however, this can vary depending on the status of the tooth.
As a multi-step process, you can expect the following:
- Shahrestany will begin by numbing the area being treated with local anesthesia. If sedation is also required, we will make sure that you receive it at this time.
- We will then begin to remove the decayed portions of the tooth enamel before sanitizing the area.
- We will then apply the color-matched composite resin to the tooth in layers so that all of the lost enamel is fully restored.
- An ultraviolet curing light is used to harden the resin into place, taking only seconds to complete.
- Shahrestany will then shape and sculpt the filling, removing any excess material so that it remains flat.
- A final polish of your tooth occurs before you are free to leave and enjoy your restored smile.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Although many dental offices continue to use traditional amalgam when it comes to filling decayed teeth, many unique benefits come with tooth-colored fillings, such as:
- Natural Appearance – The composite resin is shaded to match your existing tooth enamel, so you don’t have to worry about gray areas or dark lines appearing over time.
- Greater Stability – The resin immediately bonds to your tooth with the help of a curing light, so it offers maximum stability.
- More Natural Tooth Structure Remains Intact – Composite resin is more malleable than traditional amalgam, so it doesn’t require as much of your tooth to be removed. This means that you get to keep more of your natural tooth structure.
- Ideal for Patients with Allergies – If you are allergic or sensitive to metal, tooth-colored fillings are an ideal substitute.
- Less Tooth Sensitivity – Composite resin doesn’t expand like metal, so you’re unlikely to experience sensitivity. Also, it creates a barrier so that the nerves of your teeth are less likely to be irritated by hot or cold temperatures.
- Healthier for Natural Teeth – Amalgam expands and contracts, causing your tooth to weaken over time; however, composite resin fillings do not, so you’re less likely to require a dental crown later on.
- Highly Durable – Tooth-colored fillings can last 10 years or more with the right level of care, which is roughly the same as amalgam fillings.