Tooth-Colored Fillings – New Haven, CT

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Tooth-Colored Fillings?

• Highly experienced dental practice
• Natural-looking results
• A superior alternative to metal fillings

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are also called by the material that composes them — composite resin. The resin is made out of a mixture of plastic, glass particles, and other ingredients. Together, they form a flexible material that can be shade-matched to blend in well with the color of the tooth enamel round it. The resin is the same material used in cosmetic dental bonding.

How Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Work?

The process for placing a tooth-colored filling is fairly simple and quick. Depending on how deep the cavity is, we may numb the tooth as the first step in the treatment. Then, we prepare the tooth by removing any spots of decayed tissue. Next, we insert the filling material. A special light hardens it within just a few seconds. Finally, we adjust the filling’s shape to make sure that it will not interfere with the patient’s bite.

Do I Need a Tooth-Colored Filling?

Some indications that you may need a filling include:

• You have a visible hole in one of your teeth
• You are experiencing dental sensitivity in a particular tooth
• An old filling fell out
• You wish to replace old metal fillings with something that is more aesthetically pleasing
• You notice that food always gets stuck in a particular spot on a tooth
• You regularly snag your floss on a certain tooth
• A tooth feels rough when you run your tongue over it

If you suspect you need a filling, make a dental appointment as soon as you can. Delaying treatment will only give the problem a chance to worsen. If you wait too long, a filling may no longer be an adequate solution; you may need a more complex procedure.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Of course, the most obvious benefit of tooth-colored fillings is that they look so natural. But there are additional advantages as well, including:

• Since the resin bonds directly to the tooth, less tooth preparation is required than with amalgam fillings.
• The resin is mercury-free. Mercury is a known toxic material.
• Amalgam fillings expand and contract in response to temperature changes, which can damage the surrounding dental structure. Tooth-colored fillings do not have this problem.
• Tooth-colored fillings are less prone to cause dental sensitivity than metal fillings.
• Dental insurance typically covers a large portion of the cost of fillings.