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What makes a tooth filling necessary is the development of a cavity, which is one of the most frequent problems people can face with their teeth and oral health. When the problem is detected and treated early, a filling can effectively stop it from getting more severe and restore your tooth’s good health. However, modern tooth fillings are often more advanced than their predecessors, which is mainly due to the more biocompatible materials that they’re often made from. Today, we take a look at what makes a filling tooth-colored, and why its more natural appearance is only part of the overall benefits that it can provide your oral health.

A look at modern tooth fillings

Modern tooth fillings can be crafted from a variety of materials, including traditional metal amalgam, when necessary. However, more people continue to choose tooth-colored restorations to treat their cavities, especially when the cavity is in a tooth that’s highly visible when you speak or smile. Tooth-colored fillings accomplish the same goals as more conventional metal fillings – to stop a cavity from progressing and restore the tooth’s health and integrity. However, they’re often made from more lifelike materials, such as composite resin, that can be custom-tinted to match the tooth’s unique color and shade.

The advantages of tooth-colored restorations

Keeping your tooth’s restoration discreet offers a variety of advantages for your smile in addition to successfully restoring your tooth. This includes maintaining the tooth’s healthy, natural appearance, allowing you to retain full confidence in your smile every time you show it off. Yet, the more important benefits of tooth-colored fillings are often more related to the performance of the filling itself, and the material’s ability to bond to your tooth structure once it’s placed within the cavity. In many cases, tooth-colored composite resin can achieve a sturdier and more reliable bond to your tooth, ensuring better protection for it long-term, after the cavity has been treated.

Filling a cavity in its early stages

Whether your tooth filling is comprised of metal amalgam or more lifelike, tooth-colored resin, your tooth and oral health will benefit most by having your cavity treated as soon as possible. Without a filling, the cavity will continue to erode more of your tooth’s structure, and before long, you may require root canal treatment to successfully save the tooth. If you develop a toothache, or notice other signs of cavities such as discoloration in your tooth, then you should schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible.

Learn more about tooth-colored fillings

Modern tooth fillings are often tooth-colored, and the material they’re made from is more biocompatible than traditional metal fillings. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108.