Tooth-Colored Fillings in San Francisco
Tooth-colored composite fillings are a popular option for teeth that need restorations. They look great, and they match your natural teeth perfectly. At Sunset Dentistry in San Francisco, we offer tooth-colored fillings to our patients who need them.
Quick Summary
- Fillings are made from composite resin, a mixture of plastic and glass fibers.
- Tooth-colored dental fillings can be used to repair tooth decay, cavities, and broken teeth.
- Tooth-colored fillings usually last up to 10 years with proper care and attention.
- They are safe for all ages and can help prevent future decay.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
A tooth-colored dental filling is a composite resin material that looks just like your natural tooth enamel. It’s made from a combination of glass or plastic particles and an organic polymer called “resin.” The filler can be either white or colored. White fillings are used when there is no discoloration on the tooth surface. If the tooth has some minor staining, it may be necessary to use a darker shade of composite material. This will blend with the existing coloration.
What to Expect During the Procedure
During the procedure, the dentist first cleans the area by removing the decayed material from the affected tooth. Then they apply a special solution to the tooth to ensure it is entirely free of any bacteria. Next, they take impressions of the tooth to create a custom-made restoration. After this, they place the tooth-colored filling material into the cavity and hardened it using a special light. Finally, they seal the tooth with a protective coating. If decay is too extensive for a filling, we may recommend a dental implant after extraction to replace the tooth.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillers?
There are several reasons why we recommend tooth-colored composite fillings over traditional silver amalgam fillings:
They are less expensive than silver amalgams.
They preserve more of the natural tooth structure.
They don't require any special preparation before placement.
They provide better protection against tooth decay.
They give a more natural appearance than silver fillings.
They are easier to clean and maintain.
They have a longer life span.
Best Candidates for Tooth-Colored Fillings
We recommend natural-looking fillings for all types of teeth. However, they are beneficial for the following situations:
- When there is minimal damage to the tooth structure.
- When the tooth is not heavily stained.
- When the patient wants a restoration that matches their natural teeth as closely as possible.
- When the dentist does not want to remove healthy tooth tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
The price of composite resin fillings varies depending on the size of the cavity and the number of surfaces involved. In general, however, the average cost of a tooth-colored filling ranges between $400-$600.
Yes. Composite dental fillings are very similar to human tooth enamel. They bond well to both enamel and dentin, making them highly durable.
Composite resin fillings can last ten years or more with good oral hygiene.
Metal fillings usually come from gold, silver, or other metals. These filling materials are highly conductive and can interfere with nerve impulses. Composite fillings, on the other hand, are made of non-conductive materials. They also contain a small amount of resin which helps them adhere to the tooth.
You should avoid eating and drinking for about 30 minutes after the procedure. You can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings at Sunset Dentistry
At Sunset Dentistry, we offer dental restorations to help you achieve your healthy smile goals. Our team has extensive training and experience using today’s latest techniques and materials. We want to ensure that you receive the best treatment possible and that your teeth look good and function well.
Visit our dental office in San Francisco today to learn more about how we can improve your smile!