Get to know the strength, beauty, and ease of metal-free, tooth-colored fillings for cavity repair
Fillings have long been a staple of dentistry. However, if you still associate this standard restorative treatment with silver metal, we encourage you to rethink your perception! The modern fillings available at High Forest Dental in Littleton, Colorado are not only beautiful to look at – they look like natural teeth – but they are also durable, long-lasting, preserve utmost tooth structure, and are even appropriate for patients with sensitivities to metals.Â
The “magic” of tooth-colored fillings
We have a material called composite resin to thank for all of these cosmetic, functional, and health benefits of metal-free fillings. Composite resin is a safe blend of plastic and “filler” material such as glass-like or quartz particles. This combination of materials can be perfectly color-matched to the shades of the surrounding teeth and the neighboring teeth – no flashes of silver when you smile or laugh! Additionally, the particles within the composite help to mimic the appearance, luminosity, and reflectivity of natural enamel. So, your filled tooth looks indistinguishable from a natural, healthy, and unaltered tooth.
Unlike some metals, composite resin tooth-colored fillings maintain their beauty – as long as our patients exercise excellent home care and maintain professional check-ups at our office. These resin materials do not corrode or darken over time. With good hygiene, they look as great as the day that they were placed by our friendly dentist, Dr. Allison Brown.Â
Patients concerned about the effects of metals in their mouths and bodies do not have to worry. These fillings do not present any risks of adverse reactions. They are non-toxic and an appropriate material for individuals of all ages. With that being said, not everyone is a perfect candidate for fillings. There is no single “universally-appropriate” restorative dentistry procedure. Individuals with larger fillings may benefit from our equally cosmetic and strong dental inlays, onlays, and full crowns. We can even make and place crowns in just one visit with Glidewell.io (same-day) technology!
Frequently Asked Questions about Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
Does the process of getting a filling hurt?
Not at all. Placing a dental filling is quick and comfortable. Your Littleton dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia before starting. You may feel slight pressure, but not pain. The aftermath is also comfortable due to the procedure’s minimally invasive nature. You may experience mild sensitivity or soreness, but it’s short-lived.
Is a dental filling only for cavities?
Cavities are the most common reason for fillings, but they aren’t the only one. Fillings can also repair small chips, cracks, or worn areas of a tooth. They can also enhance the appearance of stained teeth and black triangles (open gingival embrasures).
How many fillings can I get in one appointment?
Technically, there is no limit. We can complete several fillings in a single visit. However, it depends on the complexity of the work. Your dentist will recommend the most efficient and comfortable plan for you.
Will my filling be visible when I speak or smile?
Not with our tooth-colored composite fillings. These fillings are available in different shades, and we choose the one that closely matches your natural teeth. Once placed, they blend seamlessly with your smile. That means no one will notice your filling, even when placed on the front teeth.
How long does a filling last?
Composite fillings typically last 5-8 years or more with proper care. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help extend their lifespan. It’s also best to avoid chewing or biting non-food items, such as fingernails or ice, to prevent damage.
When should I replace my dental filling?
While fillings are long-lasting, it’s important to note that they won’t last forever. Fillings may eventually wear down or develop small cracks. You might notice sensitivity, rough edges, or a visible gap around the filling. Sometimes you may not realize your filling has a problem until you are in the dental chair. Replacing a worn filling helps protect the tooth from further damage.
How much is a dental filling in Littleton, CO?
The cost varies depending on the cavity’s size and location. The best way to determine the cost of your filling is to schedule an appointment with our office. Your dentist will create a treatment plan that includes cost and payment options.Â
Does insurance cover the cost of a tooth filling?
Your insurance should cover the cost of your filling if it’s medically necessary to restore function. However, the exact coverage depends on deductibles, annual maximums, and waiting periods. Our team will help check the scope of your insurance policy and advise on the applicable benefits.
Don’t have insurance? Don’t let this hold you back. Discover affordable dental care with our in-house membership plan.
Can a dental filling weaken my tooth?
No. It’s the opposite. A dental filling helps strengthen and protect a damaged tooth. To place a filling, the dentist removes only the damaged or decayed portions of the tooth. Then the area is filled with composite resin, which restores your compromised tooth to full health.
Where can I get tooth-colored dental fillings in Littleton, CO?
High Forest Dental offers high-quality dental fillings to patients in Littleton, Lakewood, Columbine, and the nearby areas. If you suspect a cavity or need a replacement filling, call (303) 951-3717 or schedule your appointment online. Let us help keep your smile strong and healthy with top-tier restorations.
What to expect
Fillings, in general, are straightforward, but metal-free fillings are exceedingly so due to the conservative nature of this type of restoration. Since Dr. Brown applies the material directly to the tooth in layers, she can minimize the amount of natural tooth structure that is removed to accommodate the filling. Once the material has been applied to the clean and prepared tooth, she hardens it with a curing light to ensure the strongest bond between tooth and resin. With consistent care, no further treatment is needed.
Do not wait to contact High Forest Dental if you notice changes to a tooth, such as discoloration or sensitivity, when you sip on sweet or cold drinks. Since most oral conditions are asymptomatic in their earliest stages, these are signs that something is amiss and damage has occurred that may require restorative treatment (like fillings). Call (303) 951-3717 to schedule your appointment at our Littleton, CO office today.
