Traditionally, amalgam fillings have been used to help restore damaged teeth. While amalgam fillings can get the work done at a very affordable cost, there are disadvantages to its use. Most people don't like the way it looks on their teeth since their color is much darker and it gets in the way of a pretty smile. But with a white dental filling, your smile is enhanced instead. And this is the reason why most people prefer white dental filling. With a white dental filling, your teeth get to feel and look natural.

White tooth filling can be a great solution for a tooth with a minor fracture or a small cavity. It can also rectify the problem of gaps in between your teeth or if you have a worn-out tooth.

Another common tooth problem is tooth decay or cavities. The main cause of a tooth cavity is the attack of plaque. If you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly, then you can end up with tooth decay. If you don't care about oral hygiene, then you are more susceptible to needing white filling.

How long does it take the dentist to apply white filling?

The time it takes to place white filling is generally longer compared to applying a metal filling. The reason for this is that composite fillings require the tooth to be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Today, more and more people are having white dental filling instead of amalgam or gold filing. And the reason could be because of the aesthetics. We live in a society where we have high regard for a white, bright smile and so people tend to want fillings that blends with the natural color of their teeth.

It usually only takes one session to apply the white dental filling. It may take the dentist at least 30 minutes to restore your teeth to health. However, it may take longer than this depending on the amount of decay on the affected teeth.

The procedure for filling teeth with a white tooth filling:

When filling the tooth with a white dental filling, the first step is to prepare the tooth. If you are suffering from tooth decay, then the decay must be removed by the dentist first. If the decay is extensive such that it has touched other parts of the tooth, then the dentist will have to numb this part for the decay to be removed. Less drilling is required with white fillings. Your tooth is then cleaned, and a primer applied to open the pores of the enamel and the dentin. Finally, a bonding agent is applied to the cavity so that it can support the white filling material.

After the preparation, the second part is placing the filling. The white filling material will then be placed by the dentist in the cavity and the tooth is shaped to look like a natural tooth. Then a strong curing light will be used so that the white composite resins will begin to harden. The dentist will then check your bite to make sure that it is perfect. The necessary adjustments will be done in case of an imperfect bite.

After filling the cavity with the white filling, the teeth will be smoothened and polished so that your teeth will look and feel natural. With white dental fillings, you can have your pretty smile back. While white dental fillings help restore your teeth from decay and fracture, in the process, it also enhances your smile. Now you are free from the unattractive amalgam fillings.

The benefits of white dental filling.

What is great about white dental fillings is that after the procedure, you will not see that your tooth has been under restoration. It is just perfect to look at. And since the filling is bonded directly to the enamel, you can expect something strong and resistant to wear. Most white fillings can last for more than five years. Today, the material used for filling has greatly advanced and so the results are more lasting than they used to be. Here are some other benefits of white dental filling.

• It can restore not only teeth cavities caused by decay but chipped, broken, and worn teeth, and thus close gaps between teeth.
• It may be used as a veneer over stained or discolored teeth.
• It takes less time to prepare and to treat.
• It can be combined with other dental treatments like crowns, inlays, and bridges.
• It does not contain mercury as amalgam fillings do so you don't experience any health risks with white fillings.
• There is less post-treatment discomfort and sensitivity for patients compared to an amalgam filling.
• It is less prone to cracking and insulates the tooth from excessive temperature change.
• Since only affected areas of the tooth are removed, the healthy structure of the tooth is preserved.

Keeping your white filling healthy

Make sure that you exercise the most basic oral hygiene to keep your white dental filling look its best. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss once a day. Refrain from eating sugary snacks and drinking sodas. See your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings. Use antibacterial mouthwash for extra protection against decay-causing bacteria. If you don't want your white filling to be stained, then you should avoid smoking, drinking coffee, teas, and eating foods that can stain.

You can learn more about white dental filling by scheduling a consultation with us today. At AZ Specialty Dental, we can take care of all your dental needs. You can simply walk in our clinic, and we will do all we can to help you. We are also open on weekends and holidays.