Tooth-Colored Fillings – Worcester, MA
Restorations That Blend In with Your Tooth
A dental filling is one of the most common general dental treatments today, and one that most patients will experience at some point in their life. Dr. Joseph Costa provides dental fillings at his Worcester dental office to treat cavities and tooth damage. Restore your broken or chipped teeth with dental fillings to prevent further damage. Dental fillings are important in maintaining optimal oral health and keeping your smile healthy and functional. Our dentists offer several types of dental fillings but often recommend a composite resin filling, also known as a tooth-colored filling or a “white filling,” for lasting and aesthetically pleasing results. Dr. Costa may also replace old, dark fillings with white fillings to improve the tooth’s health and enhance a patient’s smile. Continue reading to learn more about tooth-colored fillings in Worcester.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Process
The process of getting a tooth-colored filling is typically completed during a single visit to our dental office. We apply a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during treatment. Then, we will prepare the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged tooth structure. The composite resin is applied to the tooth, molded into place for a comfortable fit, and permanently cured with a special light.
After receiving a tooth-colored filling, patients typically leave our dental office with no painful after-effects. You may experience short-term tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods after the filling procedure, but this is normal. Symptoms should subside within a couple of days. If you experience any issues after a few days, call us as soon as possible. If your fillings are causing you pain, we can schedule you back in sooner. You must avoid eating and using your mouth for at least a couple of hours to let the anesthetic wear off. This prevents you from accidentally biting your tongue or cheeks while still numb.
Gold or porcelain fillings, such as an inlay or onlay, will require two visits. These restorations are fabricated in a dental lab from molds taken by your dentist at your initial appointment. These types of dental fillings are recommended when there is significant damage to the tooth or if the affected tooth is at the back of the mouth and used for chewing.
Tooth-Colored Fillings FAQs
Do you want to know more about tooth-colored fillings? Learn more with answers to these commonly asked questions:
What is the Best Type of Dental Filling?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We will evaluate your condition and recommend the best choice for your situation. We commonly recommend “white fillings” made of composite resin or ceramic material for a natural-looking restoration.
Do You Fix Broken Fillings?
Yes. Contact our dental office to schedule an appointment if you have a lost or broken filling. We try to see patients for dental emergencies on the same day.
Can You Replace My Metal Fillings with White Fillings?
Many patients visit our dental office to replace their old fillings. Unsightly metal fillings can be replaced with porcelain inlays and onlays, or in some cases, a dental crown will be the best solution.