Tooth-colored fillings

Fillings are used to fill holes (cavities) that have formed, usually as a result of decay or tooth wear. There are many types of filling, each suitable for different cavities. Tooth-colored fillings can now be used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings, making them a natural-looking alternative. They are often used in teeth that show during smiling or talking. Most people have a local anesthetic injection to completely numb the area while the filling is being done. The decayed and weakened parts of the tooth are removed using small drills and the hole is washed. The filling material is then packed in. Tooth-colored fillings must be kept completely dry until they have set, so the dentist will take special precautions to keep saliva away from the area.

Tooth colored, bonded fillings have the following advantages:

• Because the fillings are adhesive in nature, less tooth structure has to be removed than with silver fillings.
• A tight seal is created between the filling, the tooth and the nerve, which cannot be accomplished with conventional silver fillings.
• They look great!
• In the event of future problems, these fillings can be added to or repaired while silver fillings need to be replaced entirely

How Long Do They Last?
Tooth colored fillings now are harder and more durable than silver / amalgam fillings. A small filling could conceivably last your lifetime, and larger fillings can be expected to last many years. The factors that determine the lifespan of a particular filling include: the tooth (molars take more force than bicuspids), the size of the filling relative to the tooth (smaller fillings will usually be more durable than larger fillings), and how teeth are cleaned and maintained daily.