If you’re like most people of a certain age in Toms River, New Jersey, you probably remember when a dental cavity was filled with silver-colored amalgam fillings. You may even have had some silver teeth in your own mouth. Many people still have these old fillings, and they will need to be replaced at some point.

With modern advances in dentistry, you can now get fillings that are the same color as your natural teeth. This means that no one will even notice that you’ve had a cavity filled. What are white fillings, and how can they help you replace your old fillings? Read on to learn more. 

What Are White Fillings?

White fillings are made of composite material that is shaded to the same color as your natural teeth. The material is an acrylic resin that’s derived from glass filler that’s been ground down to a powdered form. These fillings are attractive, affordable, and durable.

When you have a cavity, your dentist will advise you to get a filling as soon as possible to prevent infection and ultimately save your teeth. 

How to Know if You May Have a Cavity

Here are some of the symptoms of cavities. 

• Pain or a toothache when applying pressure to your teeth or chewing food. This can happen when tooth decay causes damage to the nerves in your tooth’s root. 
• Changes to tooth color. Sometimes, you may get a dark spot or even a light spot on a tooth. This happens when decay slowly eats away at your tooth’s enamel, exposing the tooth’s inner layers. 
• Sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet food and beverages. Because cavities damage the tooth’s nerves, your teeth will be more sensitive.
• Persistent bad breath. You may have a cavity if you have halitosis that doesn’t go away after you brush your teeth.
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth. Bacteria and decay can cause you to experience a bad taste in your mouth. 

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are many benefits of white fillings, including all of these. 

• Natural looking
• Durable
• Completed in one dental visit
• Useful for small or large repairs
• Short recovery time

The Process for White Fillings

When you visit your dentist with a cavity, they will determine if you need a filling. In most cases, you will have options for sedation to make the experience more comfortable. Once the site is clear of decay and debris, your dentist will fill the cavity and use a special light to harden the composite filling. Once your filling is in, the dentist will polish it to a beautiful sheen. 

How Long do White Fillings Last?

White fillings will last for up to seven years with proper dental care. In some cases, white fillings can even last for up to 10 years. The key to long-lasting white fillings is taking good care of your teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. 

White Filling for Cavities Toms River, New Jersey

Do you need some of your old fillings replaced? Dr. Colleen Williamson and the team at Grand Dental Arts in Toms River, New Jersey, are here to help with natural-looking white fillings. Contact us at 732-286-7000 or book an appointment online today.  

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