Need to get a cavity filled? Here’s how white fillings can restore your smile.
When our patients are dealing with dental problems that require restorative dentistry, our Grand Junction, CO, dentist Dr. David Larsen knows how important it is to have restorations that look natural. That’s why we offer white or tooth-colored fillings. If you have been told that you have a cavity, our dental team will use a natural-looking white filling to rebuild the tooth.
What is a white filling?
While dental fillings can be made from a variety of different materials, the most commonly used material is a white or tooth-colored material known as composite resin. Composite resin is a moldable material that is matched to the shade of your tooth before it is placed by our Grand Junction, CO, dentist Dr. Larsen. While white fillings are often used to restore a tooth after a cavity this isn’t the only reason our dental team may place this moldable tooth-colored resin. It can also be applied to a tooth to hide imperfections including stains, chips, and even gaps between teeth.
What are the benefits of white fillings?
As you might imagine, tooth-colored fillings offer more advantages than other fillings because they blend right into the tooth so you won’t even be able to see it once it’s bonded directly to the tooth. Another benefit of white fillings is that they also restore strength and functionality back into the tooth, making it possible to chew and put pressure on the tooth without worrying about causing further damage.
With the proper care, a white filling can last up to a decade or more before needing to be replaced. Since our Grand Junction, CO, family dentist bonds white fillings directly to a tooth, this means that we preserve more of the tooth’s healthy natural structure, making this a more conservative restorative option. White fillings also don’t require special care. You can brush and floss the filled tooth in the same way as you would natural teeth.
Have questions about white fillings or other restorative dentistry we offer here in Grand Junction, CO? If so, Dr. Larsen and the team at Larsen Dental would be happy to answer any questions you have. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us at (970) 242-2717.