Tooth-Colored Fillings in Lancaster, PA

Cavities, one of the most common dental problems, are created when acid-producing bacteria attack the dental enamel. In the past, dental cavities were treated with amalgam material, which is a mixture of silver, mercury, and other metals. We now know that amalgam fillings do not bond very well with the teeth, and mercury can be hazardous to your general health. At LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, we are pleased to offer tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin to fill cavities and protect damaged teeth. Composite offers a durable alternative that is shaded to match the shade of surrounding tooth enamel for a natural-looking appearance. Our highly proficient team can also remove metal fillings and replace them with tooth-colored fillings for a more reliable and aesthetic restorative treatment option. Talk with our friendly staff today to learn more about the benefits of composite fillings.

Composite resin tooth-colored fillings rebuild teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. This tooth-colored material is also used to repair other problems with the teeth, such as chips, breaks, or wear on the enamel caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the composite resin is colored to blend with your teeth, tooth-colored fillings may be placed on the back and front teeth for a seamless appearance. If you have metal fillings, you may be a candidate for having them removed and replaced with a white-colored composite tooth filling.

Receiving a dental filling at our modern Lancaster, PA practice is typically an easy procedure. The treatment area will be numbed to keep you comfortable. Once you are ready, the damaged enamel can be removed and treated with our special dental instruments. A cleansing solution will be applied and then rinsed, and the area will be filled with a tooth-colored composite resin selected to match the surrounding enamel. After we have cured (hardened) the composite with our special dental light, we will contour and polish the filling so it feels smooth and blends with your natural tooth structure.

You should be able to resume your normal day once your filling is complete, but you may have some sensitivity to cold and hot foods and beverages for a couple of days. Nonprescription pain medicine can be taken to alleviate any discomfort. If after a few days the filling feels uneven or high, please call our office so that we can get you in to make a quick adjustment. Your filling can be best cared for by following a regular home care routine that includes daily brushing and flossing. During your routine dental checkups, we will check your filling to ensure it is still intact and supporting your oral health.

How long do tooth-colored resin fillings last?
If your composite fillings are cared for with proper dental hygiene and bi-annual cleanings, they can last up to 12 years. It is important to maintain regular dental exams where our skilled dentists at LANCO Dental Care will check on your composite fillings.

Do tooth-colored fillings look like my natural teeth?
Yes, your tooth-colored filling will look like your natural teeth. They will be shaded to match your natural enamel, making it difficult to tell the filling apart from your other teeth.

Are composite resin dental fillings superior to silver amalgam fillings?
Silver amalgam fillings are not as pliable as composite dental fillings, which makes it easier for your tooth to crack. Composite dental fillings can also be shaded to match your natural teeth so the filling does not stand out as silver amalgam would.

Cavities, chips, and other types of damage may start as a small issue, but it is important to address these concerns before they develop into a larger oral issue. At LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, small areas of tooth decay can often be treated with tooth-colored fillings. Using advanced skill, our team matches composite fillings to the shade of your natural teeth so you can enjoy a healthy, attractive smile. If you suspect that you or a family member have tooth decay or damage, contact our office today to schedule an exam with our experienced team.