Fillings have been a staple of dentistry for many years, used to repair cracks, gaps, and holes in teeth to save the tooth’s function. While traditional silver (amalgam) and gold fillings have proven useful, they come with noticeable drawbacks.
Metal Fillings:
- Are often highly noticeable
- May stain your teeth
- Require more of your natural enamel to be removed
- Expand and contract with temperature changes, causing sensitivity and damage
- Cause allergic reactions in some patients
- May leak toxic mercury vapor over time
The cons of metal fillings tend to outweigh the pros. That’s why Dr. Agamov offers her patients composite or tooth-colored fillings, which eliminate many of the problems that come with metal fillings.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are fillings made of composite materials, usually acrylic resin and powdered quartz, instead of metal. Tooth-colored fillings offer a number of advantages over traditional gold and silver fillings, some of which include:
Natural Appearance – Dr. Agamov customizes your fillings to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Insulation Against Electricity – Tooth-colored fillings remove the chance of galvanic shock, an electric current passing between your teeth and shocking your mouth. This can occur when you have metal fillings with different compositions.
Hypoallergenic/Non-Toxic – The lack of metal in tooth-colored fillings eliminates the chance of reactions due to metal allergies and mercury or lead poisoning.
Reinforces and Preserves Enamel – Tooth-colored fillings bond directly to the natural tooth structure, reinforcing it. Tooth-colored fillings also require less of your enamel be removed to make way for the filling, preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible and helping to maintain the tooth’s structural integrity.
Temperature Resistance – The materials used in tooth-colored fillings don’t expand and contract when they come into contact with hot and cold. This prevents the exertion of pressure on the surrounding tooth, drastically decreasing sensitivity and preventing damage.
Hardens in Seconds – Tooth colored fillings are cured and set with a handheld blue light, which allows them to harden almost instantaneously.
Replace Metal Fillings – Even if you already have metal fillings, Dr. Agamov can use advanced techniques to quickly and completely switch them out for natural looking tooth-colored fillings.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Process
Consultation
Before you can receive your tooth-colored fillings, you’ll attend an initial consultation with Dr. Agamov. The information Dr. Agamov gathers during your consultation will allow her to determine your eligibility for tooth colored fillings. During your consultation, Dr. Agamov will examine your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your oral health goals with you. She’ll also let you know about all of your options, so you can make an informed decision.
Once you and Dr. Agamov have both decided that tooth-colored fillings are the right restoration method for you, we’ll help you pick a resin that matches the color of your natural teeth and schedule you for your next appointment.
Preparation
At your next appointment, we’ll clean out your mouth and apply a local anesthetic to the area around the tooth that requires the filling. If you’re feeling especially nervous, or experiencing dental anxiety, we have sedation dentistry options available to help you relax. Once we’ve ensured that the anesthetic is working properly, Dr. Agamov will clean out all decayed and infected material to prevent further damage and make room for the filling.
Applying Your Tooth-Colored Filling
Dr. Agamov will apply your filling in layers, using a blue light to harden the layers as she goes. She’ll shape and polish your tooth-colored filling to ensure it blends in, restoring the beauty and function of your tooth. You’ll be able to leave our Sharon, MA office that day with a restored smile.
This was such a good experience. The staff is professional, welcoming, and friendly. They are very thorough in everything they do, including explaining oral health. I will definitely recommend this office to my friends and family.
-Susan K.
FAQ
Will my tooth be sensitive after I get my filling?
Some post-procedure sensitivity is normal and should go away within a few days. In the meantime, Dr. Agamov offers these tips to help control sensitivity:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
- Be gentle when brushing and flossing
- Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth
- Chew on the side of your mouth where there isn’t a filling
- Avoid hot, cold, and acidic foods and drinks
- Gently gargle using warm salt water
If you’re still experiencing pain after a few days or your pain feels intolerable, contact our office in Sharon, MA or request an appointment by clicking the “request appointment” button at the bottom of the page. We’ll do what we can to resolve any issues you may be having and ensure your treatment goes smoothly.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
Tooth-colored fillings are built to last about seven years, but they can last ten to twelve years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams from Dr. Agamov.
Can I eat immediately after getting my tooth-colored fillings?
Your tooth-colored fillings harden and bond to your teeth in seconds, so there’s no waiting period between when you leave our office and when you can resume eating the foods you love. However, we do recommend that you wait until your anesthetic has worn off before eating. This helps you avoid biting down too hard and potentially damaging your lips, cheeks, tongue, or mouth.
Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings From Dr. Agamov & Smile Brighter!
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, you don’t have to worry about your fillings staining your teeth, shocking your mouth, or causing sensitivity to hot and cold anymore. Tooth-colored fillings from Dr. Agamov can comfortably repair your teeth while preserving the beauty of your smile. Your tooth-colored fillings will be durable, discreet, and ready to use the same day as your appointment!
To learn more about the benefits of tooth-colored fillings, or to request an appointment with Dr. Agamov, contact our Sharon, MA office or click the “request appointment” button at the bottom of the page. We look forward to helping you get a smile you can be proud of for years to come.