Dental white fillings Edgecliff
When it comes to filling the tooth after cavities are treated, white fillings are one of the best options that are available. White fillings mimic the appearance of your teeth exactly, and they blend in perfectly with the rest of your natural teeth. They do not compromise on the aesthetic appearance, but at the same time provide enhanced functionality.
Understanding white fillings
Cavities can appear in your teeth due to poor dental hygiene, not getting enough fluoride in your diet etc. Once cavities appear, you must get them treated immediately because untreated cavities can exacerbate the infection and you could end up losing your tooth.
The treatment for cavities involve cleaning of the infected part and then filling it up with suitable material. There are many filling options that are available:
- Cast gold fillings
- Amalgam fillings
- White fillings
White fillings are the most suitable because they provide the most natural results, they do not have any side effects, and they are very durable with proper care.
White fillings are also called composite resin fillings. They are a mix of glass and plastic and are of the same colour as natural teeth. You will not be able to distinguish between the filling and the natural teeth – they will blend in seamlessly.
Procedure
First, the area around your teeth would be numbed. Then the procedure really starts. The cavity has to be treated first and this involves drilling into the infected tooth to remove the decayed portions. The area is then thoroughly cleaned before applying the white filling. The filling will bond with the enamel of your tooth. Ultraviolet light is applied on the filling to harden it and make it permanently bonded to the tooth surface.
After the procedure, you may feel some sensitivity in the tooth. This numbness and sensitivity will go away after some time.
White fillings are preferred by many of our patients because they closely match the natural teeth colour. It is pretty much impossible for anyone to tell that the tooth was restored. Since the fillings bond directly with the enamel, they also last quite long – usually more than five years. With modern white filling materials, the lifetime has increased more than five years.
White fillings or composites are more expensive than amalgams, but they are much cheaper. Most insurance companies will cover this when done on the front teeth.
How to keep your white fillings healthy
Stay on top of your cleaning regime to make the white fillings last long. Brush twice a day, and use a toothpaste with fluoride to prevent further tooth decay. Floss at least once a day. Limit intake of soda and sugary food items. Antibacterial mouthwash can also help ward off bacteria that colonise the teeth surface.
Remember that white fillings can stain just like normal teeth if you consume tea, wine, coffee etc. or if you are in the habit of smoking. But with proper care, you will be able to maintain your white fillings for a very long time.
Get in touch with us if you have a cavity problem and discuss the suitable treatment options. We will suggest the best course of action for your particular needs and budget.
You can call us to set up an appointment and our friendly staff will do the needful.
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