05
Dec
Tooth-Colored Fillings: Are They Your Best Choice for Cavity Treatment?
Learning you have a cavity is never good news, but you’ll be glad to hear that cavities can be treated naturally with composite fillings. Dental fillings play a key role in cavity treatment to restore both your tooth and oral health. Here, Drs. Yang and Gittleman from Our Town Dental in Peterborough, New Hampshire, explain more about dental fillings and how they work to preserve your smile.
What are dental fillings?
Fillings are dental restorations used to treat cavities. In the past, silver amalgam fillings were used to combat decay. Today, composite resin fillings fill that role. These fillings are a blend of resin and powdered glass with no mercury or metal added. Their strength and durability make them suitable for treating decay in both your front and back teeth.
What are the advantages of treating decay with tooth-colored fillings?
Composite tooth-colored fillings offer the following benefits:
- A strong, enduring restoration that’s mercury and metal-free
- Natural tooth-colored appearance that blends in with your teeth
- Less drilling as the filling bonds directly with your tooth enamel, resulting in less tooth structure being removed.Â
- Stronger teeth as the filling strengthens and supports your tooth while protecting it from future cavities.
- Less tooth sensitivity as composite fillings insulate your teeth
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What’s the process for getting a composite filling?
First, we’ll numb your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue to prevent discomfort and pain. Then we’ll remove the decay and clean your tooth, preparing it for a filling. Next, we’ll apply the resin mixture to your tooth in layers, curing each layer with a special light for hardening. After the last layer is hardened, we’ll shape your filling to give it a natural-looking, durable finish. Lastly, we’ll check your bite and polish your tooth to make it look like new.
Are composite fillings safe?
Absolutely! In fact, many of our patients prefer composite fillings as they’re mercury and metal-free. The materials in composite fillings are fully biocompatible with your system and pose no risk to your oral or overall health.
How long do composite fillings last?
With good oral care, a composite filling can last 7 – 10 years. In addition to oral hygiene, the size of the filling, its location, your dietary choices, and lifestyle habits all impact the longevity of composite fillings. We typically examine all your dental restorations during routine checkups to ensure they’re in good shape and working as they should.Â
How do I take care of my new fillings?
A good oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly for dental cleanings will help keep your fillings in good shape long-term. To prevent chipping or cracking your filling prematurely, avoid eating hard food, chewing on ice, and using your teeth as tools.
Who offers tooth-colored fillings near me?
If you live in or near Peterborough NH, you can come to Our Town Dental for tooth-colored fillings and any other dental care needs. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (603) 567-4955.
Dr. Jihae Yang
Dr. Jihae Yang is a highly skilled dentist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Toronto, and advanced training through the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Dr. Yang is well recognized for her expertise in esthetic dentistry, and has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in veneer treatments and digital dentistry. Dr. Yang remains at the forefront of dental innovation, actively engaging in continuing education on Invisalign, implant, and esthetic dentistry. As a member of the Seattle Study Club and the NH Study Club for Excellence in Dentistry, she is committed to delivering top-tier, patient-focused care.
Dr. Alicia Gittleman, DMD
Dr. Alicia Gittleman is a dedicated and compassionate dentist providing expert, patient-centered care at Our Town Dental in Peterborough, NH. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed advanced clinical training through a General Practice Residency at Danbury Hospital. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in restorative dentistry, crowns, bridges, dentures, extractions, periodontal treatments, laser therapy (LANAP), and clear aligner orthodontics.
Known for her gentle approach, Dr. Gittleman is especially skilled in treating children and patients with dental anxiety, ensuring a comfortable and positive experience. She takes the time to build trust and create personalized treatment plans, helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles with high-quality, comprehensive care.