Tooth-Colored Fillings in Farmington, UT

Cavities form when the bacteria contained in plaque and tartar buildup begin to eat away at tooth enamel. In the past, teeth affected by decay were treated with a metal material called amalgam, a mixture of silver and mercury. Owing to modern knowledge, we now know that these fillings don't fuse well with the natural enamel and mercury can be hazardous to one's health. At Oakridge Dental in Farmington, UT, family dentist Dr. Brian Call offers tooth-colored fillings for his patients of all ages. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin that effectively fills a damaged tooth, seals the enamel from damage, and protects against cavities. Using this technology, we can even replace old metal fillings and provide patients with a more reliable, attractive solution.

Tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin typically seal the decayed area in the enamel after it has been cleaned by Dr. Call. Composite resin is a useful material that can be used to correct other issues with your teeth as well, including chips or excessive wear on the enamel by bruxism (teeth grinding). Since the special resin material is tinted to match your natural teeth, fillings may be placed on the back and front teeth for a great, natural finish. If you have metal fillings, talk to Dr. Call about getting them taken out and replaced with composite resin.

Receiving a tooth-colored filling at Oakridge Dental is generally a quick procedure. The area surrounding the cavity will be numbed to help you feel more comfortable, but more intense forms of sedation could be considered if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you relaxed. Once you are prepared, the infected enamel is removed with a special drill that Dr. Call will choose, depending on where the cavity is located and the amount of decay present. Once the enamel is removed and the area is disinfected, the tooth is filled with tooth-colored resin and set with a special light. Dr. Call will smooth the composite material so it feels comfortable and matches your other teeth.

You will be able to return to your day once your filling is done, but you might have a sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages for a few days. You can use over-the-counter pain relief medication to treat discomfort or inflammation, but you should not experience any serious problems. If your filling feels high or uneven, reach out to our Farmington, UT office. Your filling should be cleaned by following a regular home care routine with daily brushing and flossing. At your annual exam, Dr. Call will assess your filling to decide if it needs to be replaced or repaired at any point.

While cavities are common, this does not mean they can be disregarded. It's important to have tooth decay addressed and taken care of before any infection can spread. Getting a cavity taken care of promptly can save you from future issues and procedures as well. If you're due for a yearly exam or biannual professional cleaning, contact Oakridge Dental in Farmington, UT. Don't despair if you think you may have a cavity. Our team is here to guide you toward achieving optimal oral health.