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Tooth Colored Fillings (Resin Restorations)
What is a Resin Restoration?
A resin restoration is a natural looking composite filling, shaded to match the color of your tooth. Instead of unsightly silver-mercury fillings, we can now use tooth colored materials to restore decayed parts of teeth.
What will happen at my appointment?
First we numb the area to make it comfortable for you, we may use a rubber dam to help protect your mouth while we work. Then the decay is removed and your tooth is shaped with a hand piece. To mold the filling to the shape of the tooth, we may surround it with a thin flexible band. A small wedge will be placed between the teeth to snugly hold the band in place. Then we apply a solution that chemically etches the tooth for a strong bond with the resin. Next we carefully place the resin into the prepared tooth, layer by layer. Then we shape the filling and check the fit and your bite. Lastly, we give it a final polish, and you have your beautiful new restoration.
What are the advantages of a Resin Restoration?
- Protects the tooth
- Stronger and more durable than metal fillings
- Does not expand and contract with temperature changes in the mouth, like silver-mercury fillings do, causing teeth to fracture and break eventually.
- Withstands biting forces
- Tooth colored for a natural looking smile
What should I do after I have a Resin Restoration?
- Avoid chewing until numbness from anesthetic has worn off completely
- Brush and floss normally
- Use a desensitizing tooth paste if your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
- Most importantly call our office if your bite feels off of uneven, you have sensitivity or discomfort that lasts longer than 3 or 4 days, or if you have any questions or concerns.
What happens if I do nothing with my cavity?
The decay will get bigger and deeper and spread into the soft layers of the tooth which will either lead to root canal therapy or loss of the tooth.