- Monday- Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM / Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- 5200 S Archer Ave, Ste 3 Chicago, IL 60632
Composite Fillings and Tooth Colored Fillings in Chicago
Most people are familiar with a tooth filling as a treatment for cavities. At Archer Dental, we use composite fillings to restore the tooth after decay. If you have a cavity in the tooth and are looking for a dentist to do a tooth filling in Chicago in Archer Heights, schedule an appointment with us. We do tooth-colored fillings after removing tooth decay (cavity or caries). If you currently have amalgam fillings, we can also replace them with composite fillings. To learn more, call and schedule a dental examination.
What types of dental fillings are out there?
Nowadays, there are many options when it comes to materials used for dental fillings. Metallic fillings such as gold, mercury, silver, and tin, are not as practical these days are considered outdated. There are also fillings made from metallic amalgam of safe metals (amalgam filling), but most patients favor dental restoration that is more aesthetically appealing.
Porcelain and composite resin fillings are best when you want to preserve the appearance of a natural tooth. Porcelain fillings are both durable and cosmetically appealing. Ceramic fillings cost more than other fillings, but they are tooth-colored and resist stains and abrasion better than composite resin.
Composite fillings are created from powdered glass quartz, silica or other ceramic particles added to a resin base. Composite is placed inside the tooth while the material is soft, then it is hardened with a curing light. Composite fillings are a common option because they can be customized to match the color of the patient’s existing teeth perfectly. Today, composite fillings can last between 5 and 15 years.
What are dental fillings?
Let’s break down exactly what dental fillings are. During your appointment, your dentist will check for cavities (holes) in your teeth. Dental cavities develop over time when acid produced by the bacteria in your mouth start to damage the enamel of the tooth. If left unchecked, the cavity will continue to grow bigger and can work its way right into the pulp, causing infection and serious health risks. Unfortunately, enamel can not be regenerated, so once a hole is created, then the only thing to do is fill it in. That’s why they are called “fillings”.
Composite dental fillings in Chicago
Composite fillings are also known as “white fillings”, “plastic fillings”, or “tooth-colored fillings”. They are a mixture of powdered glass and plastic resin and are designed to look as naturally as possible. Because they look so natural, many people now come in two replace their old dental fillings with the composite ones. Composite is not only used for fillings, it can also be used to repair a chipped tooth, broken tooth, or worn teeth.
Steps of placing a composite filling:
- First, all tooth decay is removed using a handpiece.
- Etch and bond are applied to prepare the surface of the tooth to bond with composite.
- Dental composite is placed.
- Light curing of dental composite in order to harden the material.
- Final shaping, polishing, and bite adjustment.
After a composite filling is light cured it is the hardest it will be, and once the anesthetic wears off you can go back to chewing normal and no extra precaution is needed.
Do you need a composite dental filling?
If you notice early signs of decay in your teeth, have sensitivity while eating or have recently suffered trauma to your tooth, we strongly advise booking an appointment with one of our highly recommended dentists in Chicago. Composite filling will restore your tooth to its natural color and function, as well as alleviate any pain caused by decayed or damaged tooth. Not everyone will get a filling if they have a cavity. If the cavity is too large, a crown might be needed because there might not be enough tooth structure left to support such a large filling.
What are pros and cons of composite fillings (tooth colored fillings)
Pros
Composite resin fillings are less noticeable and help preserve your natural tooth structure. They also form a bond with your teeth that helps protect against temperature changes. Composite fillings are more affordable than the other tooth-colored fillings.
Cons
Composite fillings may need future replacement and generally do not last longer than 10-15 years. Overtime color can change from foods/drinks. Larger fillings may cause tooth sensitivity due to shrinkage in the material.
What are pros and cons of amalgam fillings (silver fillings)
Pros
Amalgam fillings have been around for centuries. They are proven to be very strong and long-lasting. Amalgam fillings are the most affordable option to fill cavities.
Cons
Since amalgam fillings are made from silver they are dark in appearance. They require more of tooth structure to be removed to hold the filling in place. Amalgam fillings contain mercury and may cause allergic reaction. Overtime they can lead a risk of tooth fractures due to a higher degree of expansion and contraction of the material.
What are pros and cons of gold fillings
Pros
Gold fillings can last around up to 30 years, and unlike amalgams usually do not corrode. Gold fillings are strong and most compatible to your natural teeth; it can bear load from chewing forces.
Cons
Gold fillings are not as popular today due to the color of the material. They can be very expensive and are higher in cost than all other fillings. Gold fillings require at least two office visits.
What are pros and cons of porcelain fillings
Pros
Porcelain fillings are stronger than resin materials, and therefore last longer (around 10-15 years). Porcelain fillings are more resistant to staining and unlike resin fillings do not change much in color.
Cons
As with amalgams, porcelain fillings may need more removal of natural tooth tissue. Porcelain fillings can be very expensive and cost almost as much as a gold filling. Since these fillings are made in the dental laboratory, they require at least two office visits.
What are pros and cons of glass Ionomer fillings
Pros
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride to help fight against tooth decay. Glass ionomer fillings are not as technique sensitive and so are easier to place.
Cons
Glass ionomer fillings are generally weaker than resin fillings so they do not last long and more susceptible to fractures. They are typically placed on baby teeth since they degrade over time.
Request your appointment
Composite filling is an affordable and durable restoration that will look natural and discreet.
Contact Us
Please know that you can always contact our dental team by calling 773-581-1345, making an appointment through the contact form, or stopping by the Archer Dental Chicago office at 5200 S Archer Ave, Ste #3, Chicago, IL 60632.
Frequently asked questions
No. At Archer Dental, we place fillings daily, but in order for this type of restoration to work, there need to be a certain amount of healthy tooth structure present. If the cavity is too big, a dental crown may be a better solution. With a crown, we can make a stronger restoration by placing a cap-like structure on the remaining part of the tooth.
If you have a cavity on your front tooth, a composite filling might be a great option for you. The composite looks just like the natural tooth and provides structural support as well. You will have your front tooth restoration done in one visit, and you are less likely to experience tooth sensitivity.
Any filling procedure is painless due to the anesthetic applied to numb your tooth. In fact, you should not experience pain while getting your fillings done. You may feel general sensations in your mouth, but it is a routine part of the procedure. If you do feel any discomfort, advise your dentist so they can provide assistance.
If your composite filling, or any other filling, falls out, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to get a temporary filling replacement. This way, your tooth is protected from further decay while you wait to get your new composite filling.
Teeth whitening will not affect the color of your filling. We highly recommend doing teeth whitening in a dental clinic. For more information on teeth whitening, visit our whitening page.
Resin, composite fillings are made from synthetic materials including powdered glass quartz, silica or other ceramic particles.
You can continue taking care of your teeth as you would normally. Brushing twice a day and flossing on a daily basis is essential. We recommend you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, since this can help to strengthen your teeth and prevent further decay. Some patients may be a candidate for a fluoride treatment in our dental office.
The shape of the new filling needs to be just right so your bite will fit properly. It can take up to several days to get used to eating on that tooth. However, you can start eating as soon as the anesthesia wears off completely, which is usually about 2 hours after your appointment.
Dental glossary
Tooth decay
Can also be called cavity, is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay due to the acids produced by the bacteria in the plaque or tartar.
Plaque
It’s a thin film formed by the bacteria that is constantly present on teeth. Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acids that cause tooth decay if a person doesn’t brush or floss their teeth regularly.
Caries
Dental caries is also known as cavities are tiny holes in the enamel of the teeth that accumulate bacteria and begins to decay because of that.
Dental prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis consists of a professional and detailed cleaning of the teeth, removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves a dentist examining patient’s teeth for signs of infection. Dental checkup is recommended once every 6 month for all adults.
Preventive dentistry
Preventive dentistry is focused on maintaining oral health in it’s best shape to prevent tooth decay, formation of plaque and infections.