Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dental fillings are an excellent way of restoring damaged or decayed teeth. At Semans Family Dentistry, our sturdy, tooth-colored fillings can restore a tooth’s natural shape and functionality – while mimicking the look and feel of natural enamel. If you are suffering from a tooth injury or cavity, we can elegantly restore your smile with tooth-colored dental fillings.
What Are Dental Fillings Used for?
Dental fillings are most often used to repair a tooth that has a cavity or just had a root canal. Because the root canal procedure leaves a large open space in the center of the tooth, dental fillings can provide strength and support. For teeth that have cracks and chips, we can use this treatment to prevent bacteria and food debris from infecting the tooth again.
What Types of Fillings Do You Use?
We use either composite resin or porcelain fillings at Semans Family Dentistry, depending on your preferences. We carefully match each material to your natural teeth, so the color of your restoration blends in perfectly with your smile.
Composite resin consists of a combination of quartz-like particles and ground acrylic. This option is popular for its durability and relatively low price. Before application, we will dye the resin material to match the color and shade of your teeth. Composite resin starts as a putty-like material, which is quick and easy to install. Once the material is in place, we will finish the procedure by hardening the putty with a special curing light.
Porcelain fillings are stronger and more natural-looking than their resin counterparts. We generally recommend porcelain for more substantial restorations. This usually requires two appointments to complete.
In your first appointment, we will take a mold of the tooth undergoing treatment. We will use this mold to order your porcelain filling from a professional dental lab. Because these fillings are crafted offsite, it may take two to three weeks for your filling to be ready. Don’t worry, though – we will provide you with a temporary filling while you wait!
What is the Procedure?
Dr. Semans will apply a local anesthetic to the gums surrounding the damaged tooth. This will numb that area of the mouth so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Next, he will carefully remove any decay, infected tissue, or damaged bits of tooth. Once the area is free of any debris, Dr. Semans will sterilize the tooth to kill any remaining bacteria. After this, he will install your dental filling.
Depending on which filling you have chosen, Dr. Semans may need to widen the gap very slightly to ensure the material fits. To place resin fillings, Dr. Semans will install the material, adjust its shape, and harden it with a curing light. To place porcelain fillings, he will make any necessary adjustments to the restoration before installing and binding it to your tooth. Dr. Semans would be happy to discuss both options to determine which treatment is best for you.
If you would like to learn more about dental fillings, please give us a call at (330) 867-4461, send us an email, or schedule an appointment online.