Dental fillings are used for restoring and repairing fractured, worn, decayed and broken teeth. At the office of Hayes Family Dentistry, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings.

Dark, metal amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for decades; however, concerns have been raised about their use since they contract and expand in response to temperature changes in the mouth, causing sensitivity to heat and cold. Expansion of the filling could lead to cracks in the enamel of the tooth, while contraction can make space for liquids to penetrate the tooth and cause decay.  Another cause of concern with metal-based fillings is the presence of mercury, which is a toxic metal and evaporates inside the mouth to enter the bloodstream potentially causing harm.

Advantages of Composite Fillings

To avoid the disadvantages associated with metal-based fillings, we use tooth-colored fillings made using composite resin. These can be made to match the natural color of your teeth and are bonded to your teeth to add to their strength. Much less of the natural tooth material needs to be removed while preparing the teeth for a composite filling. They are one of the best alternatives to metal fillings to treat cavities, cracks, and some cosmetic issues.

Before placing a composite filling, the tooth is numbed, and any decay is removed. The area is then cleaned thoroughly to remove bacteria, and the composite material is applied to the tooth in layers. The layers are hardened using a special curing light. The filling is then shaped and polished to give the tooth a natural look.

If you have existing silver fillings and would like to replace them with our state-of-the-art composite fillings, we can help you. We will carefully remove your old fillings and replace them with new ones matching the color of your teeth.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today!