Restore Your Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings in Holyoke, MA
If you have decayed, chipped, or broken teeth, tooth-colored fillings can help restore your teeth’s natural appearance, function, and health. At Holyoke Mall Dental, Dr. Eric Chen and our dental team use composite resin fillings instead of silver fillings to provide our patients with safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing dental care.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are dental restorations used to repair decayed, damaged, or broken teeth. Unlike traditional metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of glass and resin materials that can be color-matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?
There are several reasons why you may benefit from tooth-colored fillings:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Cavities
- Persistent toothaches
- Dark spots on teeth
- Broken or lost fillings
Ignoring the need for fillings can lead to further dental problems, such as tooth decay, infection, or tooth loss. If you’re in need of fillings, call our Holyoke, MA dental office at (413)-538-7400 to schedule your appointment.
Disadvantages of Silver Fillings
By choosing tooth-colored fillings, you can avoid the disadvantages of silver fillings, which include:
- Worn or broken edges
- Mercury leakage and staining
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings offer several benefits, such as:
- Long-lasting durability
- Natural-looking aesthetics
- Mercury-free and stain-resistant material
- Tooth-preserving and minimally invasive procedure
What to Expect During Your Filling Procedure
At Holyoke Mall Dental, we make your filling process quick, comfortable, and stress-free. Here are the steps we follow for tooth-colored fillings:
- Dr. Chen will numb the targeted tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort or pain.
- We’ll remove any decay and prepare the tooth for the filling by shaping and cleaning it.
- From there, we’ll apply the composite resin in layers and harden it with ultraviolet light, shaping and polishing it as needed.
- Dr. Chen will polish, check your bite, and make sure the filling fits and functions properly.
- Afterward, we’ll give you aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment if needed.
After this process, your mouth may feel numb for a few hours. Dr. Chen will recommend you don’t eat until the numbing has worn off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Replacing Silver Fillings
If you have silver fillings that you wish to replace with tooth-colored fillings, we can also help you with a safe and effective procedure. This process involves removing the old fillings, taking an impression of your tooth, and creating a custom-made filling that matches your tooth’s shape and color. Once we place the new filling, you can enjoy a stronger, healthier, and more beautiful smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
This durable solution can last between 10 to 12 years before needing replacements. Practicing good oral hygiene maintains your fillings’ longevity. Also, make sure you’re keeping up with your biannual visits to your dentist’s office to ensure your fillings and oral health are in great shape.
Not at all! Before your procedure, your dentist will provide a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and gums, ensuring you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. Your dentist will always stay in communication with you throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort.
The price of your tooth-colored fillings will depend on various factors, such as how many fillings you need, how extensive the decay is, and if your dental insurance covers a portion of the cost. At your consultation with your dentist, they’ll make sure to break down the full cost of your procedure.
Yes! Tooth-colored fillings are made with a composite resin, which is completely safe to use. This material also includes BPA (Bisphenol A), which the American Dental Association has stated doesn’t pose any health risk when used in such low amounts.
Get Started With Tooth-Colored Fillings
If you’re ready to improve your dental health and aesthetics with tooth-colored fillings, contact us today at (413)-538-7400 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. You can also fill out a contact form, and a team member will be with you shortly.
Holyoke Mall Dental proudly serves patients across Hampden County, MA, like Westfield, Southampton, and South Hadley, MA. We look forward to helping you smile with confidence!
