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Tooth Colored Fillings And Crowns: Are They Right For You?

20 March 2015

Oscar Allen

Dental fillings are an important part of protecting people against the damaging effects of tooth decay. Decay usually occurs as a result of bacteria deteriorating the surface of teeth, which leads to cavities. If the cavities are not filled, the condition of the affected teeth will worsen, and the end result can be root canals or extractions. 

Perhaps you are like many other people who would rather keep their fillings discrete and hidden. In the past, this was nearly impossible because tooth restoration materials were made from metal. Today, people can choose to have tooth colored fillings, which are not easy to detect. Read on to see when tooth colored fillings and crowns are a good option. 

Composition of Tooth Colored Fillings and Crowns

If your dentist determines that you are a good candidate for tooth colored fillings, your fillings will be made of composite resin or porcelain. Some people can have a same day filling procedure. A more aggressive restoration may require a patient to return to the office. For example, a tooth with severe decay may require your dentist to install a tooth colored crown, and the crown will need to be created based off of the dimensions of the tooth.

Why Tooth Colored Fillings Are a Good Option

The process of installing fillings made of metal requires dentists to perform a procedure referred to as "undercutting." The process involves drilling into the affected teeth, and it requires the removal of healthy portions of teeth to ensure that the metal materials bond to teeth properly. Tooth colored fillings do not require undercutting, and leaving the healthy portions of teeth intact contributes to stronger teeth. 

Tooth Colored Fillings for Replacing Metal Fillings

Perhaps your interest in tooth colored fillings is due to you having older dental work that is made of metal. It is possible to have older dental work removed and replaced with resin or porcelain. You'll need a dental exam to determine if this is ideal for your situation.

Due to the undercutting work that was required with your original fillings, it is possible that your dentist may not recommend removing the older dental work if a significant amount of a tooth was removed during drilling. If you opt to go ahead with the procedure, it is possible that you may need a crown instead because resin and porcelain must have adequate tooth surface to adhere to. 

Talk with a dentist, such as Kyle J Frisinger DMD, for more information about what dental work is best for you. 

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