Tooth-Colored Fillings in Wayne County, NY

Cavities are not fun under any circumstances, but the reason so many of Dr. Emmanuel Puddicombe’s patients seem to dread the news that they need a filling is that they envision the amalgam silver fillings that used to be the main way to plug a cavity. The good news is that Wayne County Dental Center offers composite resin fillings, better known as tooth-colored fillings, that match the existing shade of your teeth. You can now get a filling without worrying about a metallic sparkle in your mouth.

Why Fillings Are Important

Although you are much more likely to avoid cavities when you brush and floss daily, the truth is that even dedicated brushers can get cavities from time to time. Once you have a cavity, getting a filling is essential to stop tooth decay in its tracks. Left untreated, a cavity will grow larger and will eventually necessitate a root canal, not to mention cause more pain along the way.

Tooth-Colored Filling Benefits

In generations past, dentists preferred silver amalgam fillings because they were the strongest option available. Fortunately, composite resin fillings now offer comparable durability. These fillings can last 5-10 years before needing additional attention.

Better still, the “tooth-colored” aspect of these fillings does not just match a general tooth color — they can be customized to correspond with the shade of your unique teeth. Dr. Puddicombe will take care to match the resin’s hue to your own teeth, making the filling difficult to notice in your mouth.

On top of that, composite resin fillings are better at shielding the tooth from hot and cold temperatures, which are known to cause tooth sensitivity, making it much easier to eat without discomfort.

Tooth Colored Filling Procedure Details

Dr. Puddicombe starts by drying the saliva off your tooth with a cavity, then drills directly into the infected portion. Next, he injects the resin into the hole. The resin should solidify almost immediately, so Dr. Puddicombe will work quickly to shape the top of the filling to match a natural tooth shape.

Because composite resin hardens rapidly and requires less drilling than traditional fillings, the entire procedure is usually quicker than you might expect.

Taking Care of Your fillings

After getting fillings, your teeth can (and should) be brushed and flossed like any other teeth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will help you to avoid additional cavities and the need for more fillings.

To better protect these fillings so they will not need to be replaced anytime soon, you can make a conscious effort to adjust your diet. Sugary and acidic foods can erode tooth-colored fillings over time, so limiting your consumption of those foods can help keep your fillings intact. Furthermore, foods that are difficult to chew can chip away at the composite resin, particularly if the filling is on a molar.

Book an Appointment for Fillings

If you have procrastinated on a filling appointment or could use a dental checkup to confirm whether you have any current cavities, please call (315) 946-4656  to arrange an appointment at Wayne County Dental Center. Dr. Puddicombe will ensure you are comfortable throughout your procedure and that any necessary fillings match the color of your teeth.