Fillings fill (hence the name) open cavities created from tooth decay, cracks, breaks, and other damage. If you have a cavity, for example, your dentist will remove the decay and seal the open space with what is known as a filling. They can perform the same type of work for cracks, breaks, and other forms of damage.

Removing the decayed part of your tooth will stop further damage from occurring, and it will also eliminate the pain or discomfort you may experience. However, if you don’t take the proper precautions, the decay can spread to surrounding teeth, causing further damage and decay. 

The biggest preventative of cavities is proper oral hygiene. Bacteria, sugary drinks and foods, unhealthy snacks, and poor brushing and flossing are the most comment factors in which cavities appear. The better care you take of your teeth, the less likely you will get cavities. However, other factors can play a role, such as family history, certain medications (especially those that cause dry mouth), receding gums, and more. 

We check for any signs of cavities or other forms of damage that may need to be fixed at every visit. If we catch the issue early, the recovery is simple and quick. If you have tooth decay and don’t visit the dentist, the damage can take much longer to mend. 

Many people don’t notice signs or symptoms of tooth decay and are shocked when we reveal they have a cavity. The most common symptoms are:

• Mouth or tooth pain
• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Tooth sensitivity – especially with hot or cold food and drinks 

At Cakmes Dental Studio, we offer tooth-colored fillings to ensure your smile is healthier, stronger, and more natural-looking. These composite resin fillings are a great way to keep your smile healthy and natural-looking. They look and feel like natural teeth, and there’s no shiny, silver metal distracting from the rest of your smile. If you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms, come in for a check-up to make sure that cavities aren’t the reason why. And as always, make sure you brush and floss your teeth properly every day. Healthy oral habits are the best way to avoid cavities and keep a healthy and beautiful smile.

The goal of any dental practice is to ensure that you walk out of the office feeling confident and happy with your smile. One of the most common dental procedures involves using tooth-colored fillings to fill cavities, repair damage to teeth, or replace part of a broken tooth previously done with silver amalgam. For patients hoping for a more natural-looking alternative, tooth-colored restorations are a metal-free option. Also known as white fillings or composite resin fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made up of a resin or porcelain mixture and matched to each patient’s individual tooth shade. This allows the filling material to blend in with the surrounding teeth.   

Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Silver

Given that silver amalgam fillings have been the most commonly used option for dental fillings, you may be wondering what the difference is between silver and tooth-colored fillings. Aside from a difference in material, each has a different appearance as well. Silver fillings appear as a shiny metal and can typically be seen, whereas tooth-colored fillings blend in completely with your tooth’s natural color and texture. Patients also typically experience less tooth sensitivity with tooth-colored fillings in comparison to silver fillings. 

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Restorations

Tooth-colored restorations have a variety of benefits, which is why they are considered to be the superior option for fillings. Due to the porcelain and resin mixture composition, these fillings are extremely durable and have a long lifespan. Tooth-colored fillings also mimic a tooth-like texture and appearance, meaning they will be unnoticeable in your smile. These restorative fillings help reduce bacteria growth as well, which prevents further decay of the tooth. 

Our goal at Cakmes Dental Studio is to provide patients with the most advanced technologies and services to ensure that you’ll have a healthy and beautiful smile. Our practice offers a variety of services from cosmetic procedures and general dental health to advanced treatments. If you’re in need of a filling and considering a tooth-colored filling, give us a call at (865) 584-6163 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. We’d be more than happy to provide more information and answer any questions you may have!