Tooth-Colored Fillings – Portland, OR

What are tooth-colored fillings made of?

Unlike amalgam, which is composed of mercury, silver, copper, and tin, tooth-colored fillings are completely metal free. They consist of composite resin, a compound of dental plastic with fine ceramic particles. This material is biocompatible and flexible and can be colored to match the shade of your enamel.

What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?

Although amalgam is very durable, it has its obvious downsides. On the other hand, tooth-colored fillings address these pitfalls and have many advantages, including the following:

• Natural appearance. You may not even be able to tell that you had a cavity there in the first place.
• Preservation of healthy tooth structure. Amalgam does not bond well with your tooth, so additional portions need to be removed to make the filling stay in place. This is not the case with composite resin, so your natural tooth stays healthier longer.
• Protection from hot and cold sensations. Metal amalgam can conduct temperature, leading to some patients experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Tooth-colored fillings do not have this problem.
• Strong seal. Because of the bond between composite resin and your tooth, you don’t have to worry about bacteria penetrating in that area when you use the proper care.

How are tooth-colored fillings placed?

When Dr. McInnis identifies a cavity, the process of filling it goes as follows:

1. She will apply a local anesthetic so that you will feel no pain during the procedure.
2. Then, she will remove the infected part of your tooth, leaving behind clean, healthy tooth structure.
3. She will select the shade of composite resin that most closely matches your enamel.
4. Applying the resin to your tooth, she will sculpt it into the desired tooth shape.
5. We will use a special light to cure or harden the composite resin.
6. Lastly, Dr. McInnis will make any necessary final adjustments and make sure that your bite feels comfortable.

How do I maintain my tooth-colored fillings?

To make your restorations last a long time, you need to take care of them consistently. The good news is that maintenance for your tooth-colored fillings is exactly the same as that of your natural teeth. At minimum, you need to brush and floss daily and visit our Portland office twice every year for a checkup and cleaning.

If you have an untreated cavity or you still have older amalgam fillings and want them replaced, we can help you get your healthy, attractive smile back with tooth-colored fillings. Make an appointment with us today to get started!