Cosmetic Fillings

Dental fillings are widely used to restore teeth with cavities. Cavities are quite a common occurrence among individuals of all ages and are caused due to the decay of the teeth’ tissues. When cavities are left untreated for a long time, they can grow deeper and wider, eventually reaching the root canal cavity and causing a root canal infection. Hence, it is advisable to get cavities treated and filled as soon as possible to keep them from becoming bigger trouble.

How are cavities caused?

Cavities are often the ill-effects of the accumulated tartar on the surface of the teeth. The tartar deposits contain hundreds of bacteria that release harmful toxins when they feed on the food debris left in the mouth. These toxins erode the enamel and decay the underlying dentin, thus causing cavities. In some instances, cavities are also caused due to root canal infections, external trauma to the teeth, and other oral infections that go untreated for a prolonged duration.

What are the advantages of tooth-colored fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are made from dental-grade ceramic or composite resinous material. Here are some of the best features and advantages of choosing white fillings:

• They are highly durable and long-lasting
• They can be customized to appear just like the natural enamel in terms of color, texture, and translucency
• They are quite easy to contour as required
• They are biocompatible as they do not cause any adverse reactions with the tissues of the mouth
• They offer excellent sealing properties, thereby preventing the chances of sustaining reinfection
• They restore the strength and structural integrity of the tooth.

How are dental fillings placed?

The dentist will visually examine the mouth and spot the cavities and tartar deposits on the teeth. With the help of an ultrasonic scaling device, the tartar and decay within the cavity will be removed meticulously. The removed debris and microbes will be washed away using a jet of water. Next, the dentist prepares the filling material by matching it with the color of the teeth. The walls of the cavity have to be prepared for the filling, which will be done by etching their surface with a suitable etching liquid.

The dentist will apply the filling to the tooth and shape it accordingly before hardening it using a suitable curing light. Once a bite test is conducted, we will understand how the filling is affecting your natural bite. It will be trimmed accordingly and polished to eliminate any bite-related issues and make it appear as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

To know more, please get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us at (317) 547-1111 to book an appointment with Dr. Sinnis at our office in Indianapolis, IN, and we'll guide you further.