Tooth-Colored Fillings in Frisco, TX

Cavities, one of the most common dental problems, are created when bacteria erode your dental enamel. In the past, dental cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which is a mixture of different metals, such as silver or mercury. Now we know that amalgam fillings do not bond well with the teeth and the mercury is dangerous to your health. At Luminous Dental Studio in Frisco, TX, dentist Dr. Nam Kim offers tooth-colored fillings made from a composite resin to fill and protect cavities. Dr. Nam Kim or Dr. Minho Chang can also remove old metal fillings and replace them with tooth-colored fillings for a better-looking treatment of cavities. The other benefits of tooth-colored resin filling include:

• Your teeth will look like teeth — not white teeth with really noticeable silver fillings
• The composite resin filling is easier for your dentist to prepare and drill 
• Nothing will be removed from your natural teeth to apply the resin as it will bond directly to it

Luminous Dental Studio is a mercury-free dental practice. Dr. Kim and Dr. Chang want you to have teeth that have a natural-looking aesthetic. The composite resin we prepare today is effective stain resistance, longer-lasting color, translucency, and take a long time to wear down. Find out more at your consultation at our Frisco, TX practice.

Tooth-colored fillings often fill in the decay in the enamel after it has been cleaned. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to treat other problems with your teeth, including cracks or enamel that has been worn down by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the composite resin is colored to match your natural teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be used on both the front and back teeth for a seamless appearance. If you have metal fillings, talk to Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang about having them removed and replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

Getting a filling at Luminous Dental Studio is typically an easy process. The area surrounding the cavity will be numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize your discomfort. Other forms of sedation can be discussed if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you at ease during the procedure. Once you are prepared, the decayed enamel is removed with a unique dental drill that Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will select based on where the cavity is located in the tooth and the level of decay. After the enamel is removed and the tooth is cleaned, the cavity will be filled with the composite material and set with a special light. Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will polish the filling so it feels comfortable and matches your natural teeth.

You should be able to resume your normal day after your filling is done, but you might have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days. You may take over-the-counter pain relief medication to address any discomfort, but you should not have any major issues. If after a few days the filling feels too high or uneven, please contact our office. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean by following a normal home oral care routine with daily brushing and flossing. During your annual dental exam, Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will assess your filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point.

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

With regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene (and barring any tooth damage or trauma), many tooth-colored fillings can last up to 10 years or longer in some cases before they need to be replaced.

Do tooth-colored fillings look natural?

Yes, they do. The main benefit of tooth-colored fillings is the fact that they don't change the natural color of your tooth — so no one but you will know you have a filling.

Are tooth-colored fillings safer than traditional fillings?

Composite fillings (or tooth-colored fillings) are generally considered safer than traditional silver/mercury amalgam fillings. Whereas tooth-colored fillings are made with a plastic/glass or quartz composite that is BPA-free and non-toxic, traditional fillings are made with heavy metals that include mercury. These metals can be absorbed by the body and may be hazardous to your health.

How long does it take to get a tooth-colored filling?

How long the procedure to place a tooth-colored filling takes will depend on the tooth being treated and the size of the cavity. Typically, it takes about 30 – 60 minutes to complete a tooth-colored filling.

Dental cavities may start as a common issue, but it's important to have them treated before they become a dental crisis. At Luminous Dental Studio in Frisco, TX, small areas of tooth decay can be treated with tooth-colored fillings. We match the shade of your natural teeth at Luminous Dental Studio for seamless color and healthy smile. If you suspect you or a family member has a cavity or want to replace old fillings, contact our office to schedule a dental exam with Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang as soon as you can.