Tooth-Colored Fillings – North Raleigh, NC

What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Also known as composite, or simply white fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of smooth plastic and glass. They don’t contain any metal, not even mercury. After cleaning your tooth, Dr. Lisk can fill the hole with the composite mixture. The filling is then dried in a matter of minutes with a special UV light, and the procedure is complete.

The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling

A local numbing agent may be used to keep you comfortable, but it isn't always necessary. After any decay is removed, your tooth is rinsed and dried before a weak acid is applied. This opens the pores in your enamel to ensure a strong bond. It also prevents needing wedges cut into your tooth to maintain more of its structure. Your tooth is rinsed and dried again before your dentist applies the cosmetic resin, which has been shaded to your enamel. After molding it into the ideal shape, a special dental light is used to harden it. Your dentist will check your bite and polish your tooth to walk out of your appointment with a beautiful, healthy smile.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are the preferred choice among dentists and patients because they offer many benefits, like:

• Biocompatible
• Looks Natural
• Metal-Free
• Durable
• Preserves Tooth
• Affordable

Tooth-Colored Fillings VS. Metal Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are the preferred solution in modern dentistry to treat decay. We’ve listed some of the key differences between white fillings and amalgam fillings below.

Silver Fillings

• Requires significant preparation of tooth
• Highly noticeable against tooth enamel
• May hide future problems (even on an X-ray)
• Concerns with mercury exposure

Tooth-Colored Fillings

• Leave more of the tooth structure intact
• Customizable to blend with your smile
• Future breaks or leaks are easy to spot
• Completely mercury and metal-free

Considering their significant benefits, tooth-colored fillings are the obvious choice for patients of all ages.

Do I Need to Have My Silver Mercury Fillings Replaced?

Now that you know the benefits of choosing white fillings, the next logical question is… is it time to have your silver mercury fillings switched out for tooth-colored ones? The answer is: it depends. The most proactive patients may choose to have silver fillings replaced to prevent future issues because that can lead to complications down the road, like breaks or leaks, which are difficult to see.

Decay could go unnoticed until it causes significant pain and likely requires a root canal to treat. Although amalgam has been approved for use in dentistry by the FDA, our North Raleigh office is sensitive to patient concerns about mercury exposure from silver fillings. Dr. Lisk addressed each treatment plan on a case-by-case basis.

If you're ready to swap to white fillings, or have a new cavity, request an appointment online or call (919) 336-1548.