Tooth color restoration is a modern treatment that dentists use to repair a decayed or damaged tooth. Also referred to as composite resin (white fillings), this material allows your dentist to treat your cavity by removing the decayed portion and placing the restorative filling in the area from which they took the decayed material. Tooth color restoration is also an excellent choice to repair cracked, chipped, broken, or worn-down teeth.

Reasons Why This Might Be an Option for You

Your dentist may recommend tooth color restoration after you’ve gone through a root canal treatment. Fillings are also beneficial in settling down the nerves of your tooth. There are cases when the pulp, which is made up of nerves and supplies blood, can become irritated. Additionally, tooth color restoration is also an option if you require emergency dental treatment. Dentists usually use composite or resin fillings as a temporary solution for toothaches or broken teeth before putting a permanent crown in place.

There are several reasons why many patients consider getting tooth color restoration, including:

• Versatility. Apart from it being an excellent filling for decay, your dentist can also use the material to repair damaged or worn-down teeth.

• Aesthetics. The shade of the composite resin closely matches the natural tooth. Since the material will suit the color of your existing tooth, this is a perfect solution for restoring the visible parts of your teeth.

• Durable Bonding. White fillings bond to the natural tooth structure chemically. This provides more effective and robust support to your tooth. This is not only beneficial to prevent breakage, but it also helps in protecting your tooth from extreme temperature changes.

• Easier Preparation. Unlike amalgam filling, composite resin materials require lesser tooth structure to be removed when preparing your tooth for restoration.

• No Mercury. The presence of mercury in amalgam fillings has been linked to various health problems. These include memory loss, hypertension, and infertility, to name a few. Since the white fillings don’t contain this element, opting for this kind of restoration is a safer option.

What to Expect During Tooth Color Restoration

Your cosmetic or general dentist will start by numbing the affected area of your mouth with local anesthesia. If deemed necessary, they will remove the decayed portion of your tooth using dental handpieces as well as diamond burs. They will probe the area to ensure that all of the decay has been completely extracted. They often do this by staining the area with a decay-detecting agent. Your dentist will ensure that your tooth is free of any cavity, other bacteria, or debris. This is crucial in preparing your tooth for restoration. They will apply the white fillings in layers and use a special light to harden every layer as it’s applied. Once this process is complete, your dentist will start shaping the composite resin material accordingly. They will trim off any excess material and polish them to ensure that you have a bite that functions well.

Do you want to see if tooth color restoration can fix your dental issues? At Riverview Dental, we can assess your condition and create the appropriate treatment plan to restore your healthy, beautiful smile. Call our office today in Corunna, Michigan, to make an appointment.