Tooth-Colored Fillings Arlington Heights
Seamless Cavity Repair
All kids deserve to have a happy, healthy, and beautiful smile. That is why our pediatric dentistry team in Arlington Heights is committed to offering restorative options that help kids maintain confidence in their appearance. For example, we are proud to provide tooth-colored fillings to repair small cavities without significantly altering the natural appearance of the teeth. Continue reading below to learn more, or contact us directly to request an appointment for your child.
Why Choose All About Kids Dentistry for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Biocompatible Materials that Look & Feel Natural
- Gentle, Compassionate Dental Team
- Durable Fillings That Last for Years
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
A filling is a restoration that we place into a cavity to stop the decay from spreading and preserve the structural integrity of a tooth. In the past, fillings were made of a mix of metals, including mercury, which is known to be toxic. Not only did these fillings stand out against the natural color of teeth, but many people were concerned about their potential side effects.
In contrast, tooth-colored fillings are made of biocompatible composite resin that contains items like ultra-fine particles of glass and plastic. These fillings are completely metal-free and can be shade-matched to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding dental enamel.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
The process of getting a tooth-colored filling is fast and easy. Depending on how deep the cavity is, we may first numb your child’s mouth. Sedation is also available for those who are particularly nervous. Then, we clean out the cavity, removing any decayed tissue within it. Next, we place the shade-matched resin into the tooth and harden it with a special curing light. To finish, we adjust the filling so it sits flush against the tooth and does not interfere with your child’s bite.
The entire process can be completed in a single appointment, and your child should be able to eat and drink immediately afterward (or as soon as the numbing agent wears off). The tooth might be sensitive for a few days, but any discomfort tends to be minimal.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are the new standard in dental care because of the many benefits they offer, including:
- Biocompatibility: The materials used in tooth-colored fillings work very well within the human body. They are also completely free of mercury.
- Minimal tooth preparation: We need to remove only a small amount of a tooth’s structure in order to place a tooth-colored fillings. In contrast, metal fillings require greater tooth preparation.
- Beauty: Tooth-colored fillings look very natural, so they will not make your child feel self-conscious about their smile.
- Less sensitivity: Tooth-colored fillings do not conduct temperatures like metal, so they do not increase dental sensitivity over the long-term.
- Lower risk of damage: Metal expands and contracts in response to temperature changes, which can damage the surrounding tooth structure. This does not happen with tooth-colored fillings.
- Lower risk of leakage. Tooth-colored fillings bond with the surrounding dentition, which minimizes the risk of bacteria sneaking beneath the restoration and causing additional harm to the tooth.