- What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- How Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?
- What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Tooth-Colored Fillings Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Restore Your Smile Without Compromising Its Appearance
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Cavities can develop when bacteria and plaque weaken tooth enamel, eventually creating areas of decay that can spread if left untreated. For many years, dentists treated cavities with metal amalgam fillings, which often didn't bond well and stood out against natural teeth. Luckily, times have changed, and so have the materials we use for dental treatments. At Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use tooth-colored composite fillings to repair cavities while preserving the natural appearance of your smile. In addition to offering a better bond, composite resin is designed to match the shade of your existing teeth, allowing us to restore damaged areas without the noticeable appearance of older amalgam fillings. Whether you've developed a new cavity or need to replace an older filling, our team can help. Schedule a dental exam at our practice in Warwick, RI to learn more about the benefits of tooth-colored fillings.
How Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?
Before placing a tooth-colored filling, we'll numb the affected tooth and surrounding area to help keep you comfortable throughout your appointment. Once the area is numb, we'll carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the space to prepare it for restoration. Next, we'll apply the composite resin in layers, shaping the material to match the natural contours of your tooth before hardening it with a special curing light. We'll finish your treatment by making any necessary adjustments and polishing the surface of the tooth, so it looks and feels natural in your mouth.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Treating cavities early can help preserve more of your natural tooth structure and reduce the likelihood of needing more complex care in the future. Our tooth-colored fillings at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are both reliable and natural-looking, offering benefits such as:
- Restoring the shape and function of teeth affected by cavities
- Blending with your natural tooth color for a discreet appearance
- Preserving more healthy tooth structure than amalgam fillings
- Protecting treated teeth from further decay
- Repairing cavities in both front and back teeth
- Supporting comfortable chewing and everyday use
Tooth-Colored Fillings Reviews
I just began seeing Dr. Pavlotsky several months ago. I've been to several dentists in the past and they have always tried to push extra dental work on me. Replace fillings, crowns, etc. The last dentist I went to wanted to change a gold crown which I have in the back of my mouth because it wasn't white! She is nothing like that!I've had some periodontal problems and also a cavity had begun to form under a crown. Dr. Pavlotsky referred me to a wonderful periodontist who actually accepted dental insurance! He was excellent. After healing I went back to Dr. Pavlotsky and she removed the old crown, repaired the tooth, and placed a temporary crown on. I am now waiting for the permanent crown which should be ready in about a week or two.Through this whole process I've been extremely impressed with both the Dentist and the office staff. I've never really had to wait any exorbitant amount of time and if I did, I don't believe it would really bother me because I know that once I sat on the chair she would take as much time as necessary to do whatever she had to do. I've never felt rushed.I read one of the reviews where it stated that the office was very clean but didn't have the most up to date equipment. Well my last dentist had the best of everything...the latest equipment, new leather furniture and a waterfall ... but one needs a second mortgage to get all of the work done which he suggested. I'd rather have a clean office, pleasant staff, a very competent dentist that I can afford to go to than paying for all of the bells and whistles of in an office that I can't afford to get the dental work done.I am very pleased with her as is my husband. We both look forward to a long relationship with her and her staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth-Colored Fillings
How long does it take to fill a cavity?
Most tooth-colored fillings take approximately 30 – 60 minutes per tooth, although smaller cavities may take less time. The exact appointment length will depend on the size and location of the cavity and whether we're treating more than one tooth. We'll let you know how much time to allow for your appointment.
Does it hurt getting a cavity filled?
We'll numb the affected tooth and surrounding area before starting treatment, so most patients notice little to no discomfort. You may feel some pressure or vibration while we clean the tooth and place the filling. The treated tooth may be a little more sensitive to hot or cold foods after your appointment, but this should pass.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
With proper maintenance, tooth-colored fillings can last 5 – 10 years or longer. Larger fillings or fillings placed in areas that are used more for chewing may wear down more quickly. You can extend the life of your filling by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, scheduling regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like chewing ice.
What can you eat after a filling?
You can generally eat immediately after getting tooth-colored fillings, though we recommend waiting for the numbness in your mouth to wear off so you don't accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip. Try to avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours after your appointment, and skip hot or cold foods if your tooth is sensitive.
Can tooth-colored fillings stain?
While tooth-colored fillings are designed to blend with your natural teeth, they can pick up surface stains over time. Frequent coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco use can all lead to discoloration over time. Good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings can help minimize staining and keep your smile looking its best. It's also worth remembering that tooth-colored fillings won't change color with professional teeth whitening, so they may need to be polished individually or replaced if you want a whiter smile in the future.
Restore Your Smile Without Compromising Its Appearance
Dental cavities may begin as a small issue, but it's important to have them fixed before they develop into a larger concern. With tooth-colored fillings, our team at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can restore damaged teeth while maintaining your smile's natural appearance. If you think you or your child has a cavity, schedule an appointment at our family dental practice in Warwick, RI to learn how we can help.