Tooth Colored Fillings | Greenbriar Dental Care
A cavity is essentially a progressed incident of tooth decay in which the decay has eroded the enamel on the outside of the tooth, and progressed to erode a part of the tooth’s internal structure. To prevent further damage caused by decay and to preserve the compromised structure of the tooth, Dr. Clarke will “fill” in the eroded portion of the tooth with a conventional or amalgam filling – commonly just referred to as a “filling”.
Dental fillings, long considered a staple of traditional dental work are still around today, though the method and technology has advanced considerably. Most people are familiar with fillings as dental work because they are usually the first line of defense and recommended treatment option for tooth decay caused by cavities. Fillings may also be necessary for teeth with structural damage from things like teeth grinding, which is a not uncommon in the adult population.
Dental fillings can be done with different materials, and Dr. Clarke will talk to you about which material is best for your medical, cosmetic and personal needs. Silver fillings, also included a safe level of mercury, are traditional but can be visible from the inside of your mouth. For patients more concerned about the cosmetic repercussions of the silver filling materials, we also use a tooth-colored, resin amalgam filling material.
Dr. Clarke will first explain to you the procedure for your filling as well as post-procedural care for your tooth. The process of getting a filling is simple, so there’s no need to feel very nervous or fearful of any pain you might experience. For the procedure itself, don’t worry about pain. Our staff at our Atlanta, Georgia office will work hard to ensure that you’re at your most comfortable, and we go out of our way to accommodate every patient’s individual needs for comfort.
When you get a filling, the area will be numbed with localized anesthetic. The cavity, or affected area to be filled, will then be cleaned and prepared for the filling procedure. While the filling is completed with one material, the material is applied and hardened in a multi-layer process. Dr. Clarke will apply the material – whichever one is best for you – in layers, and then use a specialized light to cure and harden it, before moving on to the next layer. When the material is filled to the external portion of the tooth, it is sculpted and smooth to blend in with the shape and contours of your natural tooth.
Be sure to follow the procedure with good oral hygiene and keep up with any extra routines Dr. Clarke recommends for you. Tooth sensitivity is normal after a filling procedure, but it’s important to avoid any foods that seem to increase sensitivity in the tooth directly following the procedure.
