Dental Restoration / Dental Cavity Filling / Tooth Colored Filling

How Are Tooth Colored Fillings Used ?

Tooth colored fillings are the preferred alternative to conventional silver colored fillings. Used to treat a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of a tooth and fill the area of the tooth with a filling to prevent infection or further decay. Tooth colored fillings can also be used to repair cracked and broken teeth. Teeth that have been worn down can benefit from additional filling.

What are Tooth Colored Fillings Made of ?

There are three main types of tooth colored fillings. Composite fillings, Ionomers, and Porcelain / Ceramic fillings.

Composite Fillings consist of a mixture of resins and fine particles. These fillings are designed to mimic the colour of a natural tooth. While they are not known to be as strong as silver fillings, the natural look provides a more natural look that is aesthetically pleasing. In some cases, composite resins need to be cemented or bonded to the tooth to allow adhesion.

Ionomers are made from a combination of various materials. These materials can include ground glass, and acrylic resins. Ionomer fillings are tooth colored to provide a natural look. These fillings are most commonly used near the gum line or tooth root. Ionomers are more fragile than silver fillings. A small amount of fluoride is released by the compounds to facilitate strengthened enamel in the affected area. Porcelain fillings are typically used for crowns, veneers, and lays on inlays. Porcelain fillings are made from a combination of porcelain, glass powder, and ceramic.

Porcelain fillings are more durable than other tooth colored fillings. However, they can become fractured if exposed to prolonged biting pressure.

What Steps are Involved in Filling a Tooth?

An x-ray may be needed for the dentist to examine the area of the decay. The dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth that will need to be filling. A drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument will be used to remove the decay in the tooth. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will clean the cavity of bacteria to prepare for the filling.

The tooth colored filling will be injected into the area to seal the tooth and prevent further decay. A special light may be needed to harden the tooth colored filling. After the filling is complete, the dentist will shape the filling and polish to complete the desired result. This is a common and safe procedure that generally does not cause any pain or discomfort to the patient.