Tooth-Colored Fillings – Rochester, MN
A Natural-Looking Solution for Tooth Decay
If you have cavities, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Delaying care can seriously impact your oral health, leading to lasting or even irreversible damage. Fortunately, Zumbro Family Dental is happy to address a tooth that’s broken, is showing signs of decay, or has an old filling that needs replacement. Our tooth-colored (composite) fillings are designed to blend naturally with your teeth, providing a discreet and effective solution. Read on to learn more, or contact our friendly team today!
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In the past, cavities were typically treated with metal (amalgam) fillings. While effective, these fillings were highly visible and often made patients self-conscious about showing off their smiles. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a better solution.
Composite resin fillings provide a safer, more aesthetically pleasing alternative. Made from a blend of ultra-fine acrylic and glass particles, this metal-free material is considered a safer option than traditional fillings.
One of the biggest advantages of composite resin is its ability to be custom-shaded to match your natural tooth color. This allows for a seamless and virtually invisible repair! Additionally, composite resin bonds directly with the enamel, preserving more of your natural tooth structure and enhancing the overall strength of your tooth.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
Most tooth-colored fillings can be placed in a single visit, typically taking about an hour, though the exact time depends on the complexity of your case.
To ensure your comfort, we begin by numbing the affected area with a local anesthetic. Next, we remove any decayed enamel and thoroughly clean the tooth. The color-matched composite resin is then applied in layers to restore lost enamel.
Once the filling is shaped, we use ultraviolet light to harden it in seconds. After checking your bite and making necessary adjustments, we polish the tooth for a smooth, natural finish. You’ll leave our office with a fully restored smile the same day!
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Choosing tooth-colored fillings in Rochester comes with several advantages:
- Natural Appearance – Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings blend seamlessly with your teeth and won’t cause surrounding enamel to appear gray over time.
- Reduced Sensitivity – Since composite resin bonds directly to the enamel, it provides better insulation against temperature changes, reducing discomfort.
- Improved Oral Health – Metal fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, leading to cracks and fractures. Composite resin remains stable, reducing the risk of future damage.
- Minimal Enamel Removal – Less of your natural tooth needs to be removed for a composite filling, allowing you to maintain more of your natural structure.
- Lower Risk of Decay – The strong bond between the filling and enamel helps keep bacteria out, lowering the chances of future cavities and infections.
