Tooth-Colored Fillings – Washington, DC

Treat Cavities Without Drawing Attention to Them

Despite our best efforts, most of us are bound to experience at least one or two cavities in our lifetime. In the past, the only way to repair the damage caused by tooth decay was with a silver, or amalgam, filling. Unfortunately, this option left a noticeable shiny blob in your pearly whites. At Davidson Dental Associates, we’re committed to helping your smile feel and look its best, which is why we use tooth-colored fillings instead! This safe, lifelike alternative can easily treat cavities without drawing attention to them. If you or a loved one has a cavity, don’t hesitate to call us and schedule your next appointment!

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Closeup of tooth-colored filling placed by K Street prosthodontist

Metal-free fillings utilize a composite resin to repair teeth that are suffering from tooth decay. This tooth-colored substance is composed of fine particles of glass, dental ceramic, and other biocompatible materials. Composite resin can be shaded to match the color of your natural enamel, effectively erasing any signs of decay or damage. What’s more, it bonds to natural tooth structure very well, which makes it an ideal choice for sealing out bacteria.

What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Woman smiles after visiting her K Street dentist

The most obvious benefit of tooth-colored fillings is their natural-looking appearance. When placed by a skilled K Street prosthodontist like Dr. Wanda Davidson or any of our other highly trained dentists, a tooth-colored filling will be practically indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. Aside from their appearance, tooth-colored fillings can also:

Preserve more tooth structure: Since amalgam fillings can’t bond to natural tooth structure, they often require the removal of healthy tooth enamel to be held in place. On the other hand, tooth-colored fillings require little to no preparation of your tooth.
Better protect against sensitivity and bacteria: Tooth-colored fillings form a tighter seal than amalgam fillings and won’t change shape when exposed to very hot or cold temperatures. This offers more reliable protection from tooth sensitivity and further decay.
Treat those with sensitive smiles: Composite resin is biocompatible and 100% metal free, which means it won’t cause irritation for those with metal sensitivities or allergies.

How Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?

Man smiles at his K Street prosthodontist before treating cavities

In nearly every case, placing a tooth-colored filling is a quick, comfortable treatment that can be completed in one easy appointment. First, your K Street dentist will numb the area around your damaged tooth and then thoroughly clean it. After any loose debris and decayed tissue have been removed and the tooth has been sanitized, we’ll select a shade of composite resin that closely mimics the color of your natural enamel. Then, the putty-like resin is filled into the cleaned space and carefully sculpted over the area. Once it looks like a natural part of your tooth, we’ll use a special curing light to bond it into place. After we make any final adjustments and ensure your bite feels comfortable, you’ll be ready to enjoy your happy, healthy, and cavity-free smile!

If you have a cavity or are interested in replacing your amalgam fillings with tooth-colored ones, give us a call today!