Tooth-Colored Fillings – Fort Worth, TX
A Lifelike Way to Treat Your Child’s Cavities
Some well-meaning adults mistakenly believe that tooth decay in baby teeth doesn’t matter because they eventually fall out anyway, but unfortunately, this condition is contagious. Not only can caries spread to neighboring teeth, but it can also affect the jawbone and the permanent teeth before they arrive.
Fortunately, Dr. Thorburn offers a lifelike way to treat your child’s cavities with tooth-colored fillings. Continue reading to learn more about what most patients can expect from this standard restorative service and when it might be recommended!
Why Choose Trinity Pediatric Dentistry for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Resilient, Customizable Materials
- Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Accept Dental Insurance & Flexible Financing
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In the past, dentists relied on silver fillings made from amalgam mixtures of powdered metal with liquid mercury as a bonding agent. Though durable, these materials also cause sensitivity and don’t bond directly with enamel, which can eventually damage the structure of the affected teeth.
Thanks to updated materials and technology, today, Dr. Thorburn can address your child’s cavities with a more lifelike solution. Our team uses customizable, FDA-approved composite resin to rebuild decayed enamel so your child can continue using their tooth to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
Before proceeding, you must schedule an appointment so our team can assess your child’s condition to determine whether a tooth-colored filling is the best treatment option. For example, more severe damage or decay might require a different service, such as placing a dental crown.
Once we’ve confirmed that a filling is best, we’ll carefully clean and disinfect their damaged tooth to prevent further decay. Then, we’ll apply the color-matched, putty-like material to their enamel in layers, shape it, then harden it in place with an ultraviolet curing light, causing it to bond to the protective outer layer. The result is a beautiful filling that blends in seamlessly, so no one is likely to notice it.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are several advantages to choosing tooth-colored fillings over an amalgam restoration, such as:
- Protect tooth structure. This biocompatible material bonds directly to enamel to preserve more of the natural strength and structure of your child's tooth.
- Boosted confidence. The lifelike material is customized to help improve their dental health and appearance simultaneously.
- Convenient solution. This procedure can often be completed in a single, hour-long visit.
- Easy maintenance. Simple precautions, like brushing and flossing twice daily and scheduling a routine exam and cleaning for your kid every 6 months, can help keep your child’s filling in great shape.
- Long-lasting results. These repairs can potentially last 5 to 10+ years with proper care.