These days, restorative dentistry has significantly developed and become one of the most critical dental practices. There are many different restorative treatments for a variety of needs to give everyone the beautiful smile they truly deserve. Patients with decayed teeth commonly receive dental fillings as a restorative treatment. Many people visit experienced dentists like our professionals at Dentist @ False Creek to treat tooth decay with the help of dental fillings. This treatment is ubiquitous as it’s cost-effective, highly effective and versatile, which explains its popularity. Many different types of dental fillings are provided by dentists, including white fillings. This type of tooth filling is also known as composite or tooth-colored filling, allowing you to keep the look of your teeth as natural as possible. A white dental filling can blend in seamlessly with the luster and color of your natural teeth. It’s an excellent chance for those who don’t like the appearance of metal fillings and search for a natural-looking option. If you want more information about white dental fillings and want to understand important aspects of this treatment, continue to read this blog.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are one of the least invasive treatments for a decayed tooth. Tooth decay is a common dental emergency that should be addressed as soon as possible. Most dentists fill the cavities to restore your oral health in the safest way possible. If you neglect your decayed tooth and leave it untreated, it can develop and cause even more severe problems like missing teeth or periodontal disease. In such cases, you need more complicated treatments like dental implants to restore your beautiful smile. These days, white fillings are much more popular than metal ones because of their natural look, which is surprisingly similar to tooth enamel.
What Are the Benefits of White Fillings?
- Safety – Compared to metal filings, white fillings are considered a safer option. Unfortunately, metal can leach into the mouth and bloodstream over time, which is dangerous. It explains why most cosmetic dentists recommend white fillings over amalgam ones.
- Natural Results – These days, everyone seeks treatments with natural-looking results. For instance, cosmetic veneers are popular because they enhance your smile in the most natural way possible. Besides white fillings, the composite resin is even used in other popular cosmetic dental procedures, including resin-bonded bridges and so on.
- Lower Risk of Tooth Sensitivity – White fillings insulates your teeth from temperature fluctuations.
- Durability: White fillings are made from durable composite resin, which can withstand the wear and tear of everyday chewing and biting.
- Adhesiveness: White fillings adhere tightly to the tooth structure, providing a strong and long-lasting restoration.
- Caries Prevention: White fillings can help prevent further decay by sealing the damaged tooth and creating a barrier against bacteria.
- Minimal Invasive Procedure: White fillings can often be placed without the need for extensive tooth preparation, minimizing the damage to the natural tooth structure.
How to Care for White Fillings
It’s easy to keep your white fillings shiny and beautiful for a long time. It’s important to know that white fillings don’t respond to teeth whitening treatment, and you need to prevent them from getting stained as much as possible. Brushing and flossing your teeth two times a day, cutting back on sugar, visiting your dentist every six months, etc., are practical things you can do to protect your white fillings.
White fillings are an effective dental treatment that can restore the strength and structure of your damaged teeth. So don’t waste time and visit your dentist today!
Types of White Dental Fillings
There are two main types of white dental fillings:
Direct Fillings: Direct fillings are applied directly to the cavity in a single visit to the dentist. They are typically made from composite resin or glass ionomer cement.
Indirect Fillings: Indirect fillings are made in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth in a later visit. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin.
Procedure for White Dental Fillings
The procedure for placing a white dental filling typically involves the following steps:
Local Anesthesia: The dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Cavity Preparation: The dentist will carefully remove the decayed tooth tissue to create a clean and stable cavity preparation.
Initial Filling Placement: The dentist will apply and sculpt the white filling material to the prepared cavity.
Light Curing: The filling material will be cured using a special light to harden and bond it to the tooth structure.
Final Polishing: The dentist will carefully polish the filling to ensure a smooth, natural finish.
Types of white dental fillings
There are two main types of white dental fillings:
- Direct fillings: Direct fillings are applied directly to the cavity in a single visit to the dentist. They are typically made from composite resin or glass ionomer cement.
- Indirect fillings: Indirect fillings are made in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth in a later visit. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin.
Procedure for Direct Fillings
The procedure for placing a direct filling is relatively simple and typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The following steps are involved:
Local Anesthesia: The dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth.
Cavity Preparation: The dentist will carefully remove the decayed tooth tissue to create a clean and stable cavity preparation.
Bonding Agent Application: The dentist will apply a bonding agent to the tooth surface to enhance the adhesion of the filling material.
Filling Placement: The dentist will apply the composite resin filling material to the prepared cavity and sculpt it to a smooth, natural finish.
Light Curing: The filling material will be cured using a special light to harden and bond it to the tooth structure.
Final Polishing: The dentist will carefully polish the filling to ensure a smooth, natural finish.
Procedure for Indirect Fillings
The procedure for placing an indirect filling is slightly more complex and typically involves two dental appointments. The following steps are involved:
Initial Appointment:
- Local Anesthesia: The dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth.
- Cavity Preparation: The dentist will carefully remove the decayed tooth tissue to create a clean and stable cavity preparation.
- Impression Taking: The dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth using a special mold.
Laboratory Phase:
- Filling Fabrication: The dental laboratory will use the impression to fabricate the indirect filling from porcelain or composite resin.
Final Appointment:
- Bonding Agent Application: The dentist will apply a bonding agent to the tooth surface and the fitting surface of the indirect filling.
- Indirect Filling Placement: The dentist will attach the indirect filling to the prepared tooth using a special adhesive.
- Final Polishing: The dentist will carefully polish the filling to ensure a smooth, natural finish.
Which Type of Filling is Right for You?
The best type of white dental filling for you will depend on the size and location of the cavity, as well as your individual preferences. Your dentist can help you determine which type of filling is right for you.
Caring for Your White Dental Fillings
To maintain the health and longevity of your white dental fillings, follow these guidelines:
Maintain Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to detect any potential problems early on.
Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes and floss once daily to remove plaque and bacteria, which can damage your fillings and lead to cavities.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, as this can put excessive stress on your fillings and increase the risk of breakage.
Moderate Sugar Intake: Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, as these can promote tooth decay and damage your fillings.
Regular Fluoride Use: Use a toothpaste with fluoride to strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay.
Contact Your Dentist for Prompt Repair
If you notice any signs of chipping, cracking, or staining in your white dental fillings, contact your dentist promptly for repair. Early detection and treatment can prevent further damage to the filling and preserve your smile.
Conclusion
White dental fillings are a great option for restoring the beauty of your smile while also protecting your teeth from further decay. They offer several advantages over traditional silver fillings, including their natural appearance, durability, adhesiveness, and caries prevention properties. If you are considering having a filling placed, talk to your dentist about the benefits of white dental fillings.