Dental Fillings and Bonding

Tooth-colored fillings - often called white or composite fillings - improve the integrity and health of a decaying or decayed tooth. Dental fillings remain the number-one way to stop the decay in its tracks and ensure the longevity of a tooth’s health. Today’s dental fillings are a far cry from the metal-looking fillings that were used years ago, although those silver fillings, known as amalgam fillings, are still used in some offices around the country.

The noticeable difference between a tooth-colored filling and a traditional amalgam filling is that you can’t see it as easily. It is literally “tooth-colored.” A bonding agent is used to secure the filling and stop the decay from spreading, and the color is matched to a patient’s tooth so that it cannot be easily seen.

Tooth decay is caused when bacteria in plaque is not properly removed from the teeth on a daily basis. If left untreated, the bacteria will penetrate the tooth. X-rays and routine examination are the best ways to diagnose early formation of decay. Early detection is the key to preserving as much of your tooth as possible.

If you have older-style amalgam fillings, we would be happy to remove and replace them with tooth-colored dental fillings. The process is the same as working with traditional fillings, except when the treatment is complete, you won’t be able to see the filling. We use composite materials to rebuild the filling into the affected area of the tooth or teeth and ensure it is set before sending you off to enjoy your day.

Other than the invisible factor of the white dental fillings, benefits include strength and durability, easy to clean and maintain, and they don’t cause tooth sensitivity the way metal fillings have in the past for some patients. What’s more, when restoring a tooth with a composite material, less of the tooth needs to be removed, which helps to keep the integrity of the tooth intact.

Composite tooth bonding is a common solution that Edmond cosmetic dentists use to fix or repair cracked or chipped teeth. It is also used to reduce the look of unsightly gaps that may appear between teeth, either naturally or that appear over time as teeth move. What’s more, composite bonding can be used to help hide the look of discoloration on teeth or brighten areas of the tooth’s surface that have faded over time. It’s a highly practical and economical solution that is widely used in dental offices around the world.

Composite bonding is made from a highly flexible material or combination of materials. As the name indicates, “composite” means it is “made up of different parts” to create a newer, more useful product. Composite bonding is often made from plastic or resins that are easy to adhere to the tooth’s surface.

There are many benefits to using composite bonding to repair a patient’s teeth. First, the bonding can be made to match the existing color of the patient’s teeth so the new repair will be virtually undetectable when the treatment is complete. Composite materials are affordable and an economical choice for patients who don’t want or need to spend more money to get a great-looking result.

In most cases, we can repair a cracked or chipped tooth in just one visit. Composite bonding resins come in a variety of shades so we can match your existing teeth in no time at all. Once the composite material has been matched and set, you’ll be free to carry on with your day as normal. Over time, the composite material may start to wear away - we can replace or repair the bonding or suggest a more permanent solution if you wish to pursue such an option.