“Looks like you have a cavity.” No one wants to hear these words, but they are pretty common among individuals in the Briarwood and Great Neck areas — and truly around the world. In fact, replacing cavities with fillings is one of the most common things we do in our clinics. If the idea of a cavity conjures up visions of gold or silver spots on teeth, you’ll be excited to learn about modern white fillings.
White fillings, created with composite bonding or porcelain, are used to restore your smile while still keeping it looking natural and free of mercury.
How are white fillings used?
To understand how white fillings are used, it’s important to first have a clear picture of what a filling does. When your teeth are damaged to the point that they need repair, a filling is used to replace your decay with strong, durable material. First, we numb the area around the tooth that will be filled. Then we drill into your tooth to remove any decay that has developed there. Once the damage is out, we fill up the area with our specialized filling material.
White fillings are a blend of plastic and glass particles. These composite resins are easily molded to fit your teeth and, after being cured, remain smooth and stain free if cared for properly. Most people love the option of a white filling because it matches a tooth’s natural shade. This is especially important for individuals who have damaged teeth toward the front of their mouths and want to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile. Additionally, white fillings are great for patients with sensitive teeth. Because they are made from composite materials, they are resistant to temperature changes and protect your mouth from the sensitivity pain that comes with cold and hot foods and drinks.
As dental pros, we love white fillings because they easily and effectively bond to teeth, offering helpful support. They can also be used in a wide range of ways. For example, white fillings can replace decay, but they can also repair chips and breaks in your teeth. As a bonus, white fillings are quick to harden, thanks to a special light that quickly bonds the material to your tooth. That means you’ll be out of the office and on the way to show off your new smile faster.
The use of white fillings isn’t limited to just new cavities. We regularly replace and repair mercury and older metal fillings with white fillings to keep patients safe and satisfied with their smiles.
During routine checkups, we can evaluate your situation to look for damaged or cracked metal fillings and best understand if a replacement is immediately needed or might be needed down the line.
Although most patients experience little to no pain during the process of getting white fillings (thanks to local anesthetic applied during the process), you’re welcome to take over-the-counter pain medications in advance and after the procedure. No matter why you opt to receive them after your white fillings are in place, you’ll want to make sure you take care of them and keep them looking their best. To do so — and prevent more repairs down the line — it’s important that you routinely brush and floss and come in for regular cleanings and exams. You can also help your fillings last longer — and avoid the need for more down the line — by watching what you eat and drink to avoid stains and decay. If you notice any issues, be sure to reach out for a follow-up exam.
Contact Cohen Dental Care Today
White fillings are a modern way to restore teeth to a healthy state. If you’re experiencing tooth pain from a cavity, chip, crack, or other oral health condition, don’t put off having it treated. And if you have any questions or concerns, give us a call. We’re here to help!