White fillings, also known as composite or tooth-colored fillings (as they mimic our natural teeth color), are often used to restore teeth. Many can’t tell which part of their tooth is the filling and which is the natural tooth. Because composite resin is so natural-looking, you cannot tell where the filling starts or ends.

How Do Dental Fillings Work?

Fillings are the least invasive restorative treatment available. The common feature of all fillings is that they use a material to replace decayed or missing teeth structure by filling in a pliable area of the tooth. The purpose of dental fillings is to restore the health of your mouth, balance your bite, and lower your risk of developing dental problems in the future.

What is the Purpose of White Fillings?

White fillings are most commonly used to fix cavities after removing decayed tooth structures. The process of removing the decayed tooth structure promotes oral health but leaves the tooth susceptible to further decay.

You might be fitted with a crown after undergoing an invasive restorative treatment such as a root canal because of extensive tooth decay. You might also need an inlay or an onlay after invasive treatment, such as a root canal. Crowns encase the teeth completely with ceramic caps that protect the tooth underneath.

Advantages of White fillings

• Teeth That Look Real

Fillings made of composite resin are cosmetically pleasing. Moreover, they can be shade-matched to blend in with the surrounding teeth. Dental bonding is also a cosmetic dental procedure offering white fillings.

Most of our patients cannot tell that they have white fillings in their mouths. White fillings provide immediate results and don’t involve any recovery time or side effects.

• Safer

White fillings are safer than silver amalgams, which may leach into the mouth and bloodstream. Silver amalgam may include trace amounts of mercury, a known neurotoxin. White fillings are biocompatible and do not have hazardous chemicals or metals.

• Chances of Teeth Sensitivity Are Reduced

As composite resin does not conduct heat, patients are not as sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as people using metal implants. White fillings insulate your teeth from temperature changes.

• More Stable

The porcelain fillings do not expand and contract as a result of temperature fluctuations. Silver amalgam fillings expand and contract over time with temperature fluctuations.

Taking Care of Your White Fillings

The maintenance of white fillings is easy. Good care can extend the life of newly placed fillings for a long period. We recommend avoiding hard foods that can chip your fillings, and in the least, consuming them less frequently if possible.

To make sure your fillings will last longer, you should brush and floss your teeth twice a day (or more) and limit your sugar intake. A regular two-year dental cleaning at our office can also help to keep your fillings intact.

Marine Hills Dentistry offers comprehensive dentistry solutions by Dr. Dennis Hahn, helping our patients get their healthy and confident smiles back. For more details and appointments, call us at  (253) 839-2800, book online, or visit Dentist in Federal Way, WA at 1500 S Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98003.