Tooth-Colored Fillings in Denton

Dr. Dunson and his staff at Southridge Dental understand that the words, “you have a cavity,” are not what you’re hoping to hear when you come to see your Denton dentist. Nevertheless, at some point nearly everyone does hear those words. In fact, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that 92 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have cavities in their teeth. The solution, of course, is a dental filling. To maintain your white smile, Dr. Dunson uses tooth-colored fillings.

Fillings have been around for a long, long time. Archaeologists have found evidence of fillings in molars dating between 7,500 and 9,500 years ago. In the 19th century, dentists began to use a variety of metals to fill teeth, including gold, tin and silver. Dental amalgams, a mixture of tin, silver mercury and copper, were introduced later in that century.

With the advent of composite resin, tooth-colored fillings became available. In Denton, tooth-colored fillings offer the obvious advantage of blending seamlessly with the existing color of your damaged tooth as well as your other teeth. Beyond this benefit, tooth-colored fillings do not contain any metals, including mercury. Although the evidence is not conclusive about the possibility of mercury absorption from dental fillings, the use of composite resin materials in fillings eliminates any concern.

Furthermore, a tooth-colored filling from Denton dentist Dr. Dunson bonds securely with your existing tooth structure. A silver or amalgam filling actually rests within or on the surface of your tooth, but does not bond with the enamel and dentin. Therefore, leakage is always a threat. Because a composite resin can bond with your prepared tooth, the resulting repair is stronger and more secure and comfortable.

Dental Fillings in Denton

As with an amalgam filling, a tooth-colored filling does require some tooth preparation. After the tooth and surrounding tissue are anesthetized, Dr. Dunson will remove decay, debris and damage with a dentist’s drill. However, a tooth-colored filling requires less tooth prep—that mean less time under the drill for you. Preparation for your new filling is completed when the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. Then, the tooth is isolated so saliva and other moisture cannot interfere with the bonding process. Dr. Dunson applies an adhesive to your tooth, and then fills the cavity with composite resin material. After smoothing the material, the filling is hardened with a special curing light. We’ll have you bite together to make sure the filling conforms to the corresponding tooth in your opposing jaw. When your tooth-colored filling is complete, you’ll have a tooth restoration that functions well and does not interfere with your white smile.

If you are due for one of your regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams—or if you already know that you have a cavity that needs to be filled—then call Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for an appointment. Dr. Dunson and his team provide a comprehensive menu of dental services for you and your entire family. We’ll be glad to help you maintain your healthy and happy smiles!