The only kind of dental fillings used by Dr. Bidabadi in Brighton and Newton, MA are safe, metal-free fillings that blend naturally with your teeth and that can also help reshape disfigured teeth. If you are in need of a tooth filling, call Soft Touch Dentistry today to schedule an appointment at one of our offices. Dial 617.782.9250 for our Brighton office, or 617.332.8146 for our Newton office!
When Are Tooth Fillings Necessary?
A tooth filling may be necessary if a patient’s tooth has become:
- Decayed
- Cracked
- Fractured
A tooth filling will repair the tooth and prevent further damage or decay. Dental fillings are common options for repairing some tooth damage and should be considered when the existing tooth structure is stable and easy to work with.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Dr. Bidabadi now uses only composite resin for both new fillings and for the replacement of old silver amalgam fillings. Of course, if you come see us for your regular twice-yearly cleaning and exam and we discover you have a tooth with decay, you won’t necessarily plan to have a new filling, but we can place the composite resin filling quickly in the same appointment. Also, we have many patients who either want to replace old amalgam fillings for aesthetic reasons or they need to replace them as the filling or fillings are reaching their lifespan.
There are no restrictions for whether a person can have composite fillings placed.
How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Last?
The drawback of composite resin fillings has been their durability. In the past, these resin fillings have not lasted as long as silver amalgam. In the early days, resin fillings weren’t placed in molars because of their lack of strength.
But that has changed. Composite resin has been evolving with new technology. In the 1990s and 2000s, resin was mixed with glass ionomer, which greatly increased the strength and durability of composite resin fillings. This has advanced to the point where tooth-colored fillings now last as long as silver amalgam.
There are many variables in how long a filling of any sort can last. Do you predominantly chew on one side? Do you chew ice? How big is the filling? Those types of things.
Generally, the average lifespan for tooth-colored fillings is about 12 years, the same as for silver amalgam. Lifespan can far exceed that in different patients.
How Does Dr. Bidabadi Place Tooth-Colored Fillings?
When you come see us at Soft Touch Dentistry and we find decay in a tooth, the first step is to remove the decay. In many cases, Dr. Bidabadi can now use our Biolase laser to remove this decay without needing a drill. Next, she thoroughly cleans and disinfects the area where the decay was removed.
Composite resin is placed layer by layer. Dr. Bidabadi sculpts the composite resin to conform to the shape of your tooth, so it doesn’t impact your bite in any way. The layer is quickly cured/hardened with a curing light. Then she applies the next layer. This process is repeated until she is satisfied with the shape and appearance of your filling. The final step is to remove any high spots and to polish the tooth. Now the tooth is healthy again, and it has an invisible composite resin restoration.
Is Recovery Time Needed After Having a Filling Placed?
No, these are simple procedures, and you can go right back to work or other normal activities. You can use your tooth immediately.
Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Traditional Dental Fillings
In years past, only silver-toned, metal amalgam dental fillings were available to fill teeth. While less expensive, overtime a metal tooth filling could give the tooth a grayish appearance, causing the tooth to appear damaged.
Modern dentistry has evolved to develop tooth-colored dental fillings that are made from the composite resin of acrylic plastics. This type of tooth filling will not cause your tooth to discolor or gray. Tooth-colored fillings are designed to mimic the natural dentin found within your teeth, and therefore have a better bonding property to the tooth surface and offer better insulation during temperature changes.
Dr. Bidabadi only offers tooth-colored dental fillings to her patients.
Will My Teeth Look Natural With Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Just like it sounds, tooth-colored fillings are created to match the tone and color of your existing teeth. Therefore, with a tooth filling from Soft Touch Dentistry, you will see a solid colored tooth that looks as natural as possible.
Patient Testimonial
“My experiences as a patient have been consistently excellent.The staff is attentive and promotes the best practices of dental health. They seize every opportunity to teach those best practices. Doctor Bidabadi always reassures me about the necessity of each procedure. She is always available for emergency treatment.”
– John S.
How Do I Care For a Tooth-Colored Filling?
There isn’t any special care required for these fillings. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride and flossing once daily is all that is required. You don’t have to worry about what you eat or drink. These fillings are strong and durable.
Are There Risks With Composite Fillings?
These are virtually risk-free treatments. When Dr. Bidabadi places a filling, the decay has not entered the interior of the tooth, so it has not come in contact with nerves or blood vessels. That makes for virtually no chance of infection. Composite resin is safe, and it actually strengthens the tooth.
In contrast, silver amalgam fillings used to involve the risks of cracking a tooth, allowing decay to form around the filling, and they required more tooth to be removed. And, of course, you were putting mercury in your mouth.
Can Metal Fillings be Replaced With Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Many adult patients may already have metal dental fillings. If you’d like to improve the appearance of your teeth with a new tooth filling, or if you believe you may need your existing metal fillings replaced due to new decay developing under your existing dental fillings, discuss these goals with Dr. Bidabadi. She will help create the care plan that is most appropriate for your unique teeth and situation.
Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Work for All Types of Cavities?
Tooth-colored fillings are suitable for most types of cavities. They are particularly effective for small to medium-sized cavities. This is due to their aesthetic appeal and ability to bond to the tooth structure.
Other options, like inlays, onlays, or crowns, might be more appropriate for very large cavities or areas with high bite pressure (such as the molars). Dr. Bidabadi will assess your cavity size, location, and specific needs to determine the best treatment option.
Can Tooth-Colored Fillings Be Used on Front Teeth?
Yes, tooth-colored fillings can be used on front teeth.
These fillings are made from composite resin, which Dr. Bidabadi can color-match to the natural shade of your teeth. This color-matching provides an aesthetically pleasing result. It also makes tooth-colored fillings ideal for repairing cavities, chips, or other minor damages on visible teeth.
The material also bonds well to the tooth structure, ensuring durability and a natural appearance. Additionally, tooth-colored fillings support the tooth's structure and help prevent further decay. This makes them a versatile and effective option for front teeth restorations.
Can Tooth-Colored Fillings Be Repaired if They Chip or Break?
Yes, tooth-colored fillings can be repaired if they chip or break. Dr. Bidabadi can add more composite resin to the existing filling to restore its shape and function. The process involves the following steps:
- Cleaning the damaged area
- Applying a bonding agent
- Layering and shaping the new composite material to blend with the original filling and the natural tooth
This quick repair process preserves the tooth's aesthetic and structural integrity. Regular dental check-ups also help identify issues with fillings sooner.
How Can I Tell if My Tooth-Colored Filling Needs To Be Replaced?
You can tell if your tooth-colored filling needs to be replaced by looking for signs such as:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Pain when chewing
- Visible damage like chips or cracks
- Discoloration
- A gap between the filling and the tooth
Regular dental check-ups allow Dr. Bidabadi to detect early signs of wear or failure that might not be visible. Addressing these issues right away helps prevent further tooth damage and maintain oral health.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions After Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling?
There are no specific long-term dietary restrictions after getting a tooth-colored filling. However, you should avoid eating or drinking anything very hot, cold, or hard for the first 24 hours. This will allow the filling to set and prevent sensitivity. Sticky or chewy foods should also be avoided at first as they might dislodge the filling.
Why Choose Soft Touch Dentistry?
When you choose Soft Touch Dentistry, you can trust that you'll be treated like a member of the family. Our offices in Brighton and Newton, MA, offer many conveniences, including:
- Early morning, lunchtime, and evening appointments
- Saturday hours
- Handicapped accessibility
- Ample parking
- On-time scheduling
We also promptly address emergencies, accept and file most major insurance plans, welcome major credit cards, and offer flexible payment plans and financing options.
Led by Dr. Nazila Bidabadi, the Soft Touch Dentistry team provides a comprehensive range of treatments, from family dentistry to teeth whitening to sleep apnea care.
Dr. Bidabadi's excellence is recognized by her role as a clinical instructor at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine for over a decade and her mentorship at Boston University School of Dentistry. Her expertise and reputation in cosmetic dentistry make her one of the most respected dentists in the field.
Call Dr. Bidabadi For Tooth Colored Fillings In Brighton & Newton
Soft Touch Dentistry proudly provides Newton MA, Brighton MA and surrounding areas with advanced dental fillings. If you are in need of a tooth filling, call today for your consultation or complete a Contact Form here! Dial 617.782.9250 for our Brighton office or 617.332.8146 for our Newton office. Dr. Nazila Bidabadi looks forward to serving you!
