Tooth-Colored Fillings

Oakland, San Francisco

Until recent years the only material used to fill cavities was a mixture of metals and mercury called 'amalgam.' Amalgam fillings are still the most common fillings today. Their dark color is also aesthetically displeasing, often turning black over time and discoloring the whole tooth.

Over the last decade the technology for tooth-colored fillings has improved to the point that they are even stronger than amalgam fillings while being much more pleasing to the eye. The filling material comes in a variety of shades so One of our doctors can choose the one that most closely matches your natural tooth color.

For these reasons, many people are selecting tooth-colored fillings over amalgam for new cavities and choosing to replace their old amalgam fillings with the new tooth-colored fillings.

The Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure

Whether filling a new cavity or replacing an old amalgam filling, the procedure is done in two-steps:

• The first step is to remove the diseased tooth tissue or amalgam filling
• The next step is to fill the resulting cavity with several thin layers of the tooth-colored composite
• After each layer is applied, it must cure under a curing light before the next layer is put on
• When the procedure is complete, you'll have a strong, custom filling that is virtually undetectable

To learn more about tooth-colored fillings, or to view before and after photos of patients in the San Francisco and Oakland area who have improved their smile using this procedure, please click on the links below.

• Commonly Asked Tooth-Colored Fillings Questions
• Tooth-Colored Fillings Smile Gallery

To schedule a complimentary consultation with One of our excellent doctors, please contact us today.