Tooth-Colored Fillings in Honolulu, HI

Enjoy a Beautiful, Healthy Smile With Tooth-Colored Fillings

Did you know that over 90 percent of American adults age 20 and older have had at least one cavity? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that cavities are incredibly common and letting them go untreated can lead to more serious oral health issues down the line. In the past, cavities and other forms of dental damage could only be repaired with silver (amalgam) fillings. While silver fillings have proven effective, they can cause a whole host of separate issues. 

Fortunately, modern dentistry has given patients in need of dental repair a better option. At Advanced Restorative Dentistry of Honolulu, Dr. Nishime can offer tooth-colored fillings for a smile that’s both healthy and beautiful. Keep reading to learn more about this attractive restoration option or schedule an appointment by clicking the button below. 

The Problem With Silver Fillings

Silver (amalgam) fillings are made of a mixture of metals which can include silver, zinc, tin, copper, and mercury. Silver fillings are known for being strong and long-lasting, and they’ve been part of dentistry for hundreds of years. However, in that time, dentists and patients alike have noticed some distinct problems with silver fillings that has led to them falling largely out of favor. Some of those issues include: 

  • Unnatural Appearance – Silver fillings easily stand out from your natural teeth.
  • Staining – The silver in amalgam fillings can leak into the tooth, darkening it over time.
  • Galvanic Shock – If silver fillings interact with other metal fillings and metal dental prosthetics of differing compositions, this can generate an electric charge that can shock the inside of your mouth. 
  • Toxicity – Silver fillings may contain mercury, lead, and other materials that can cause toxic or allergic reactions. 
  • Takes Hours to Set – Silver fillings often take a full 24 hours to completely harden and reach full strength after they’re applied to your tooth.
  • Enamel Destruction – Silver fillings require a significant amount of your tooth’s enamel be removed to make room for them, which compromises the tooth’s structural integrity.
  • Increased Sensitivity – Silver fillings expand and contract upon contact with hot and cold temperatures, increasing dental sensitivity and putting pressure on the inside of your tooth, thus weakening it further.

For reasons such as these, your dentist is likely to recommend tooth-colored fillings if you qualify.  

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite, mercury-free, and white fillings, are fillings made from non-metallic materials. Tooth-colored fillings are usually made from a mix of high-quality resin, porcelain, and ground quartz. These non-metallic fillings offer significant advantages over silver fillings that often make them the more preferred option, including:

  • Insulation against electricity, preventing galvanic shock
  • Non-toxic/allergenic
  • Set almost instantly once they’re applied to your tooth
  • Blends seamlessly with your natural smile
  • Require less natural enamel be removed, preserving the tooth’s structure
  • Won’t darken or stain your teeth over time
  • Can replace metal fillings in most cases  

The Tooth-Colored Filling Process

Initial Consultation

Before Dr. Nishime approves you for treatment with tooth-colored fillings, you’ll attend an initial consultation. Your dentist will determine if tooth-colored fillings are right for you by thoroughly examining your mouth, reviewing your medical history, and discussing your smile goals with you. At this time, he’ll also inform you of your other treatment options and offer sedation dentistry as part of your procedure if you experience dental anxiety. 

Preparation

Once you and your dentist have both decided that a tooth-colored filling is right for you, we’ll clean your mouth and apply a local anesthetic to the soft tissues around the affected tooth. The anesthetic will help ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. We can also apply your sedative of choice at this time and make sure your sedative is working alongside your anesthetic. Once we’re sure you’re comfortable, your dentist will remove any damaged or decayed tooth material to make room for the filling. 

Applying Your Tooth-Colored Fillings

To install your tooth-colored filling, your dentist will apply the resin in layers, hardening each layer as he goes with a handheld blue light. In some cases, Dr. Nishime may recommend applying a crown to the tooth afterwards, to further protect and reinforce it. Once your dentist is finished, you’ll be free to enjoy your beautifully restored smile.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoy A Beautiful & Healthy Smile With Tooth-Colored Fillings

Thanks to tooth-colored fillings your dentist can repair and protect your natural teeth without the drawbacks of metal. If you’re interested in enjoying the many benefits of tooth-colored fillings, or want to switch out your metal fillings for a tooth-colored option, call Advanced Restorative Dentistry by dialing (808) 732-0291. You can also fill out one of our contact forms, or click the button below, and a friendly team member will return your message as soon as they can. Dr. Nishime proudly offers his expert services to his Honolulu patients, as well as patients from neighboring areas such as Kailua, O‘ahu, and Kapolei.   

“Like” us to get 5% off your dental treatment for your next appointment

Menu
Skip to content