Tooth-Colored Fillings
Protect Your Teeth With Fillings
Cavities can become increasingly detrimental to your oral wellness and must be treated as soon as possible. Your mouth has its own unique microbiome filled with healthy bacteria that help break down food, send nutrients to the rest of your body, and protect your mouth from foreign substances. When food and debris are left for too long, it can throw off your microbiome and the accumulation of unhealthy bacteria can lead to tooth decay. This tooth decay will leave cavities (hollow spaces in the teeth) and without treatment, cavities can lead to further decay, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss.
Dr. Leitner offers tooth-colored fillings as a convenient and natural-looking solution to treat your cavities and protect your oral health.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin material that can be used to fill in a cavity as well as repair cracked or chipped teeth. The fillings bond to your existing tooth, which allows Dr. Leitner to treat the cavity while preserving your natural tooth in the process.
Traditionally, cavities are treated using amalgam (silver) fillings but at John Leitner, DDS, we use tooth-colored metal-free fillings as a way to restore the integrity of your affected tooth. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings contain no metal and are color-matched to your existing teeth so they blend in seamlessly with your natural smile.
The Cavity Treatment Procedure
After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Leitner will administer a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience. We also offer sedation options for those experiencing dental anxiety.
From there, your tooth will be cleaned thoroughly to ensure it’s free from any decay and bacteria. We’ll fill it with a composite resin that has been matched to your natural tooth color and harden it to your tooth with a special light. Finally, we’ll shape the resin to make sure the filling feels natural in your mouth and blends in with your smile seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, tooth-colored fillings can last upwards of 10 years depending on where the fillings are located and how well they’re cared for. Bi-annual visits with Dr. Leitner paired with a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine can help prolong your dental fillings.
Yes— not only are tooth-colored fillings safe, but they also help protect the vulnerable areas of your teeth from harmful bacteria. For those who have metal sensitivities or allergies to amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings can be a great alternative.