White fillings repair teeth that are damaged by decay. They function like other types of dental fillings to strengthen and restore teeth with cavities. Also called tooth-colored fillings, white fillings have the added benefit of being discreet since they blend in with natural teeth. Dr. Jose Arocho and Dr. Nelly Matos can strengthen and repair your teeth with white fillings at A Smile 4 U Family Dentistry, our family and children’s dentistry office in University City, Charlotte, NC.
Types of White Fillings
The procedure for repairing teeth with white fillings is similar to other types of fillings, such as cast gold. Decayed tissue must first be removed. In some cases, it might be necessary to drill a small hole in the tooth in order to reach the affected area and remove all signs of decay. The tooth’s interior is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Finally, the empty cavity where the decayed tissue was removed is filled in with white filling material.
White fillings can be made from different types of materials. The experienced dentists at our family and children’s dentistry office in University City, Charlotte, NC, can explain the benefits of each type and recommend one that best suits your needs. Types of white fillings include:
- Composite — These are made from a blend of plastic resins and glass or silica fillers. White fillings made from a composite blend of materials have the advantage of bonding with the natural tooth so less drilling or undercuts need to be made in the natural tooth.
- Porcelain — These are made from a ceramic material that is a close match for natural tooth enamel so this type of white filling blends in extremely well. An advantage of white fillings made from porcelain is that they do not stain.
- Glass Ionomer — This type of white filling has a translucent appearance because it is made from acrylic and glass powders. An advantage of these fillings is that they help prevent further tooth decay by releasing small amounts of fluoride over time.
Benefits of White Fillings
White fillings, whether composite, porcelain, or glass ionomer, offer multiple benefits. A primary benefit is that they are extremely discreet since they match the color of the natural teeth and readily blend in with the rest of your smile. Additional benefits of white fillings include:
- Repairing and strengthening teeth affected decay
- Restoring normal functioning in damaged teeth
- Preserving more healthy tooth structure by requiring less drilling
- Eliminating the potential risk of exposure to certain metals
- Preventing decay from spreading to other teeth
Teeth that have been damaged by decay are often too weak to bite and chew without pain or sensitivity. White fillings help restore normal functioning by strengthening and repairing damaged teeth. To learn more about repairing your teeth with white fillings, schedule an appointment with Dr. Arocho or Dr. Matos by calling A Smile 4 U Family Dentistry, our family and children’s dentistry office in University City, Charlotte, NC, at (704) 549-1199.