How Fillings Are Used in Cosmetic Dentistry

A tooth-colored filling can be used for several different cosmetic treatments, including:

• Changing the shape of a tooth
• Filling a gap between teeth
• Covering discolored parts of a tooth
• Repairing chips or cracks

Fillings can quickly fix any minor damage to teeth but are typically used to fill holes from cavity damage.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are two common types of dental fillings. Our dentist will determine which options are best for your dental needs.

Silver Amalgam

Silver amalgam dental fillings used to be more common for their durability, but many do not find metal fillings to be aesthetically pleasing or may have metal allergies. Therefore, a silver dental filling is typically only placed on the back teeth for these reasons.

Composite Resin

A composite or tooth-colored filling can be used on any teeth and provides a more natural look. The composite material is matched to your natural tooth’s color and then is bonded to the tooth. Tooth-colored fillings are becoming more common for their aesthetics and affordability.

What to Expect During a Dental Filling

After choosing which dental filling will be used, the dentist will prepare the tooth. The dentist will begin filling the cavities with a local anesthetic to reduce pain during dental work.

They will also place cotton to protect the gums and other teeth from temperature changes. The dentist will then remove decay from the compromised tooth. Next, the bonding agent is applied to the tooth’s structure. Finally, the dentist will complete your restoration by cleaning, polishing, and applying fluoride.

With dental fillings, you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods. Contact our office today to schedule dental fillings for damage caused by cavities, chips, or cracks. We also offer dental implants at the Massanutten Dental Team and Oral Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA.

How long do tooth fillings last?

Fillings can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. You must maintain proper dental hygiene and regular visits at least every six months or as directed by your dental professional. Contact us today with any dental issues, and we’ll provide fillings to repair the damage and restore your smile.

How are fillings used for maintaining good oral health?

Dental fillings are used to repair damage caused by cavities or chips. Fillings can be made from a composite resin or silver amalgam. Composite fillings are known as tooth-colored fillings and can restore front teeth and damage from cavities. Silver amalgam dental fillings are typically used to repair back teeth.

If a cavity is found, it will need to be removed from the tooth to prevent tooth decay. In addition, you must receive treatment for any damage to your teeth to prevent further damage and the need for more invasive dental care. Untreated bacteria and decay can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.

Tooth-colored fillings are placed in teeth with cavity damage to prevent the spread of decay and provide a stronger restoration for the remaining tooth structure. We want to ensure you maintain good oral health and have a beautiful smile for years to come, so you must schedule regular dental visits at least every six months.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 540-908-4846!

Contact our dental team in Harrisonburg, VA today

At Massanutten Dental Team and Oral Surgery, we use the latest technology to provide high-quality dental care to our patients. Technological advances offer a faster, more efficient treatment to have a healthy smile and have a more comfortable experience. Your oral health and comfort are important to us, and our team strives to provide a personalized treatment plan for each patient.

In addition, our dentists are trained in various specialties, so we offer a full range of services such as family dentistry and oral surgery to provide a range of quality care under one roof.

For more information about financing options, our services, or to schedule an appointment today, contact us at your convenience. We look forward to treating you and your family and creating healthy smiles for a lifetime.