Composite Dental Fillings in Watsonville
Dental fillings are used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay, restoring your tooth’s function. Although this procedure can be completed quickly, you’ll want highly trained hands to ensure lasting results.
Our team at Watsonville Dental Wellness Center can fill cavities with a white filling – a dental restoration that’s just as effective and more inconspicuous than a normal metal filling.
What are White Fillings?
White fillings, or composite fillings, are made of a blend of plastics and composite resin that can be colored to match your tooth. These fillings can also be polished until smooth and resistant to staining.
What are Fillings Usually Made Of?
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. White fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings are the most widely used today.
Because white fillings are tooth-colored, they will blend right in with the rest of your teeth while still being highly durable. Amalgam fillings will last a long time, but they usually contain traces of mercury that can be toxic when the filling wears down, breaks, or has to be removed.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
As with most dental restorations, white fillings aren’t permanent and may someday have to be replaced. But not only are they a healthier option than amalgam, white fillings can also last up to 15 years for a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons You May Need a Filling
Fillings are an important dental restoration for tooth repair, and white fillings give an aesthetically pleasing result. Some reasons why you might need a filling include:
- Cavities
- Holes in teeth
- Tooth fracture
- Replacing a filling
- Worn down teeth
What is the Procedure for White Fillings?
White fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb with local anesthetic, your dentist will remove any tooth decay. They’ll thoroughly clean the empty space in the tooth and prepare it for the new filling.
If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The dentist then places, shapes, and polishes the filling, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
It’s normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold after the procedure, but this will subside when your tooth acclimates to the new filling. We’ll be sure to give you care instructions at the end of your treatment. And remember, good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will help your new fillings last even longer.
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Looking for White Fillings in Watsonville?
Watsonville Dental is dedicated to creating healthier and aesthetically pleasing smiles. If you have suffered from tooth decay and need quality dental treatment, including well-crafted and placed white fillings, we’re just a phone call away! You can even send us a message conveniently online to request an appointment.