Dental fillings are often used to restore a tooth after it has been treated for tooth decay. Most people are familiar with silver fillings. Unfortunately, these can be off-putting, and many patients wonder if there is a more natural-looking option. We have good news! White fillings offer the same benefits as silver fillings while also matching the color of your natural teeth.

Because many of us will have at least one filling in our lives, it’s important to know the details about how they work, what the benefits are, and how to care for them. Continue reading to learn all of this from our Grant Park dentist!

1.    How do white fillings work?

White fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, simply fill in a part of the natural tooth that needed to be removed because of decay. When part of a natural tooth is removed, the tooth becomes weak and more vulnerable to decay and disease. White fillings restore strength and health to the tooth.

Dentists typically place white fillings after a restorative treatment. First, she cleans the treatment site, then applies an etching compound that helps bond the filling to the enamel. Next, she layers and molds the composite resin to the treatment site. Finally, a special blue light is used to solidify the material.

2.    What are the benefits of white fillings?

Aside from their natural appearance, white fillings offer several benefits, such as:

• Safety: Some say that silver amalgam fillings leak trace amounts of mercury into the mouth and bloodstream. Tooth-colored fillings are biocompatible and are no threat to oral or overall health.
• Low risk of sensitivity: White fillings protect the teeth from hot and cold fluctuations, unlike metal fillings that transfer extreme temperatures very quickly.
• Stability: Hot and cold temperatures can also cause silver fillings to expand and contract. This can lead to damage to the surrounding tooth structures. Again, white fillings aren’t as sensitive to temperature changes, so the surrounding teeth are much more stable.

3.    Are they difficult to care for?

To care for your white fillings, we recommend watching what you eat and creating an effective oral hygiene routine. Foods you should avoid include:

• Ice
• Popcorn kernels
• Nuts
• Hard candy

These foods can chip and wear down your fillings, reducing their longevity.

The most effective oral hygiene routines include the following steps:

• Brushing at least twice a day
• Flossing once per day
• Using an antibacterial mouthwash

Talk to your dentist about the best tools and oral health products to use every day. She will recommend products that work best for your specific needs.

In addition to these measures, be sure to eat a low-sugar, healthy, and balanced diet and to schedule a dental cleaning and exam appointment every six months. These appointments are especially important for patients with white fillings because the dentist can check for signs of wear as well as indications of tooth decay in other areas of the mouth.

Though taking care of white fillings is simple, patients must also be very intentional in order to get the most out of them.

White Fillings in Grant Park

If you have an injured tooth or a cavity, a white filling could be in your future. Dr. Abbey J. Lee at Smiles 4 Grant Park recommends tooth-colored fillings to patients because they are durable and aesthetically pleasing. To learn more about this treatment, contact our friendly team today at 404-328-7177.