Colored Porcelain Fillings

Tooth-Colored, Gum-Colored, and White Porcelain Fillings

As cavities are one of the most common dental problems, fillings are one of the most common treatments. Many people are concerned that fillings will ruin their smile, and this can be the case if you receive a traditional amalgam filling, especially if the cavity is near the front of your mouth. However, there are alternatives to metal fillings: porcelain fillings come in tooth color, gum color, and white.

The Benefits of Porcelain Fillings

In addition to being virtually invisible, porcelain fillings offer several benefits:

• We are able to remove less (if any) of your natural tooth to fit the filling. This maintains tooth structure and helps the tooth stay strong.
• The material itself is also strong. It is less likely to damage than tooth enamel when you bite or chew and it is unaffected by temperature changes. Porcelain fillings usually last at least 15 years but can often last up to 20 years.
• Porcelain both resists stains and will not stain your teeth.
• Unlike metal fillings, porcelain fillings are bonded to your tooth. This means there is no space between the filling and the tooth for bacteria to build up.

Porcelain Fillings Procedure

We can fit you with porcelain fillings whether you have a new cavity or you want to change your old amalgam fillings. In both cases, you will need to have a consultation before you receive the filling. This will enable us to choose the right shade of porcelain and create the filling in advance.

When you return for the fitting, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, we will prepare your tooth, either by removing the decay or removing the old filling. We will use a probe to check that the area is entirely free of decay and clean the cavity before bonding the filling to your tooth.