Tooth Colored Fillings FAQs- East Bay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of San Pablo, CA

Tooth Colored Fillings FAQs

What are tooth-colored fillings made of?

They are made of a composite, that is, a mix, of plastics known as composite resins.

Why are tooth-colored fillings preferable to amalgam?

There are two main reasons:

The tooth-colored fillings are more visually pleasing than the dark colored amalgam.

Composite fillings are bonded to the tooth, becoming part of the tooth, whereas amalgam fillings are not; they're packed into the cavity tightly, and more of the healthy tooth must be removed to make a space shaped so as to keep them in position and preventing them from falling out. As they age, amalgam fillings can become worn and fall out or get new cavities under them.

Who is the best candidate for tooth-colored fillings?

Anyone who would like to replace a dark and unsightly amalgam filling, or who has a new cavity that needs to be filled.

Does insurance cover the cost of tooth-colored fillings?

This will depend on each patient's specific coverage, but most insurance companies will pay at least a percentage of the cost for new tooth-colored fillings. We will always make the most of your dental insurance for you.

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

If you follow recommended daily dental hygiene practices, they should last for seven to ten years or longer.

How many appointments does it take to apply tooth-colored fillings?

If you have one or two new cavities or replacements, generally it can be completed in only one appointment. If there are more than a few cavities, it may take more than one.

If you would like to replace old amalgam fillings or fill new cavities with tooth-colored fillings like many of our patients in the San Francisco and Oakland area, please schedule a complimentary consultation with us today.

For more information, please call: (510) 232-3143 or send an email today.