Dr. Thomas Tang provides tooth-colored fillings to restore your teeth and leave your smile looking beautiful. If you have cavities or suffer from tooth decay and require fillings, you may find tooth-colored fillings to your liking. At our Brookfield practice, serving patients from Milwaukee, Madison, and other communities throughout Wisconsin, we would be happy to help.
Treating cavities and other instances of decay usually involves the removal of the decayed portions of the tooth, as well as a small portion of the surrounding outer structure. The dentist must fill the resulting void with material that can help support the tooth structure while preventing further decay. Traditionally, this material was made of silver composite, which looks dark and unnatural. Today, tooth-colored fillings made from composite resins look very similar to the natural color of your teeth, offering you an inconspicuous, natural-looking way to restore your teeth after treatment.
To learn more about how tooth-colored fillings can restore health and beauty to your smile, contact our Brookfield dental practice today by calling (262) 821-1000 to schedule an appointment, free consultation or second opinion.
When are Tooth-colored Fillings Appropriate?
Tooth-colored fillings look great and yield several advantages for patients. They are best used in small restorations, and areas of your smile that are under very little stress. For example, if you require fillings on the chewing surface of a molar. If you have had a very large cavity area, the Dr. Tang may highly recommend restoring with a dental crown. However for smaller restoration needs, tooth-colored fillings are great. During your initial consultation with Dr. Tang, he can discuss your goals with you in person and determine if tooth-colored fillings are right for you.
The removal of decayed tooth material begins with a local anesthetic. The decayed areas are removed with traditional drills and other tools. Dr. Tang takes great care to ensure that this part of the process causes as little discomfort as possible. Once the decayed areas have been completely removed, Dr. Tang will apply a mild acid that will create small etchings in the tooth surface, which will help the composite bond to your tooth. Next, he will apply the composite in small layers, slowly building up to form the complete filling. A special dental light hardens each layer before the next is applied. Finally, Dr. Tang uses a special articulating paper to make small alterations to the filling and achieve a balanced bite.