By Arthur Kezian

Cavities are bound to happen no matter how well you take care of your teeth. In most cases these cavities demand dentists to remove the decay and fill in the removed area. During the last decade dentists used to fill the tooth with an amalgam of different metals. However things have changed and present day doctors use more natural looking and metal free tooth colored fillings. Basically materials which resemble your tooth, like composite resins or porcelains are used. These materials are completely safe and most importantly look much more natural.

Those who are looking for the service of Dr. Kezian, a Los Angeles cosmetic dentist can contact him anytime. He has creditable experience in the area. Dr Kezian and his staff have years of experience performing dental filling treatments and procedures.

What Are The Basic Advantages Of Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored dental fillings usually fall under the cosmetic filling category. These cosmetic fillings have several advantages over metal amalgams.

Tooth-Colored Cosmetic Fillings1

 

  • Safety and aesthetics: Tooth-colored dental filling are much more natural looking. This imparts a lot of confidence to the person who undergoes this form of dental filling. Tooth-colored composite fillings also do not contain mercury or other metals which may cause sensitivity or toxic effects. Amalgam fillings are highly notorious for their toxic effects. Several patients who undergo amalgam dental fillings have metal sensitivities. This causes a metal taste to sustain in the tongue after the filling is done. However, tooth-colored composite fillings are free of such complications.
  • Durability: Previously composite fillings were not as durable as amalgam fillings. However, after tremendous research dental manufactures have arrived with composite resin materials which are highly durable. Presently composite fillings are being used even for molars. One more added highlight is that composite materials require very less tooth preparation. It does not affect tooth badly like amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings also demand extra time for more extensive tooth preparation.
  • Tooth shaping: When using tooth-colored composite fillings, a minimum amount of tooth structure needs to be removed. This is because composites can be placed on the tooth much more conveniently compared to amalgams.
  • Time and technique: The success of the composite filling will depend on the technique employed by the dentist. Cosmetic filling techniques for composite resins will demand the use of additional equipment. The procedure for composite fillings consume more time than amalgam filling procedures. The extra time consumption attributes to the higher costs associated with composite filling. These extra costs associated with composite fillings are not covered by dental insurance companies either.

Are There Any Disadvantages For Tooth-Colored Fillings?

  • Tooth-colored cosmetic fillings are easily stained by foods and beverages like tea, coffee, wine etc.
  • Another disadvantage of tooth-colored fillings is the high cost. Amalgam fillings are much cheaper compared to tooth-colored fillings.

There are no other notable disadvantages for tooth-colored fillings.

How Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Done?

  • The tooth-colored resin fillings usually require a single visit to the dentist
  • The dentist will first remove the decay present from the tooth.
  • Then the dentist will clean the tooth using chemical solutions.
  • Once the cleaning is complete, a primer will be applied on the tooth. This will open the pores in the dentin and enamel.
  • The dentist will then place the filling material into the tooth. He will then shape it in a way which resembles the natural structure of the tooth.
  • After the shaping is done, the dentist will expose the tooth to ultra-violet light. This will allow the tooth to cure and become hard.
  • Once the filling is hardened, the dentist will check whether the teeth fit together properly when the jaws are closed.
  • Finally the dentist will smoothen and polish the tooth to make it more appealing.

If you are in U.S and are planning to get a tooth-colored filling, consider the service of Los Angeles cosmetic dentist. Dr. Kezian and staff are experts in the area and have performed several successful procedures.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS - 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 https://www.drkezian.com