Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Durable, Stable, and Highly Realistic

Tooth-colored fillings are an effective means of replacing decayed dental tissue during cavity treatment. These fillings can restore dental function, improve overall oral health, and enhance the aesthetics of your smile. There are a number of reasons that we offer tooth-colored fillings, rather than older metal restorations. Primarily, of course, they are more aesthetically pleasing than amalgam fillings, since they can be matched to the color of your teeth for a seamless look. However, tooth-colored fillings also repair your teeth more effectively since dental composite typically adheres to the surrounding tissues more securely. If you are suffering from dental sensitivity, you may have a cavity, and you should call Dr. Michael Molnar's Tarrytown, NY, office as soon as possible. 

Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for You?

A tooth-colored filling is typically appropriate if you have a small or medium-sized cavity. Cavities appear when an abundance of bacteria erodes your dental enamel. Unchecked, the bacteria could eventually affect the soft interior pulp of your tooth, causing infection and significant discomfort. For this reason, it is important to seek treatment for a cavity as soon as possible. Dr. Molnar may place a tooth-colored filling if you are experiencing a toothache or any other symptoms of decay. To provide a definite diagnosis, he will use our DIAGNOdent® laser cavity detection system. This advanced tool will identify cavities in the initial stages. Using this tool at your routine exams, Dr. Molnar can often uncover decay even before you experience any symptoms at all, allowing for early treatment and preventing these cavities from dramatically weakening your teeth.

While fillings are often appropriate for small or moderate cavities, they are not typically suitable for extensive decay. In these cases, Dr. Molnar will often recommend a dental crown or another larger restoration. Dr. Molnar can also replace older amalgam fillings with a more aesthetically pleasing composite filling. 

What to Expect during a Cavity Filling

Before placing a filling, Dr. Molnar will numb your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Using a cutting-edge laser or air abrasion instrument, he can remove any diseased tissue and bacteria. Next, he will place a composite resin material inside the cavity. This material is manufactured in a broad spectrum of shades, and he will choose a color that is a remarkably close match to your tooth. As he fills in the cavity, Dr. Molnar will place the material layer-by-layer, using a special curing light to harden each level. After the entire filling is in place, he will remove any excess composite. Finally, he will polish the filling and the surrounding parts of your tooth to ensure that your bite is not affected.

Tooth-colored fillings can restore dental function, improve overall oral health, and enhance the aesthetics of your smile.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings offer numerous benefits, many of which are not immediately apparent. Of course, the most obvious advantage is aesthetic. Composite will blend seamlessly with your smile for many years. Additionally, amalgam fillings are metal, and can expand and contract with changes in temperature. This can ultimately damage your teeth over time. Composite resin, however, is a much more stable material. As a result, your teeth will not be subjected to the fluctuations that can weaken their outer structures.

Restore Your Oral Health

Tooth-colored fillings have quickly become the go-to choice for many restorative dentists. If you are experiencing dental sensitivity or pain, you may have a cavity and you could benefit from receiving a tooth-colored filling. Call our office at (914) 631-0884 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Molnar.