Tooth-Colored Fillings in State College, PA

At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, our trusted general dentists in State College, PA, are proud to offer composite fillings to treat chipped teeth and tooth decay (cavities). Dental cavities are a common problem that develops when bacteria erode tooth enamel. In the past, cavities were treated with a material called amalgam, which is a mixture of metals, such as mercury or silver. We now know that amalgam fillings do not fuse fully with the teeth, and the mercury can be hazardous to your overall health. Composite resin is a tooth-colored filling material that offers long-term durability, biting strength, and blends naturally with surrounding tooth structure for a seamless result. If you or a loved one has mild to moderate tooth decay or damage, schedule a visit at our State College, PA, state-of-the-art practice, and see if composite fillings are right for your smile.

Composite resin tooth-colored fillings fill in minor to moderate cavities and chipped areas on a tooth to restore health, appearance, and proper function. Safe for patients of all ages, composite fillings are also useful in treating other issues that may impact dental health, including cracks or excessive wear on the enamel from bruxism (teeth grinding). Since the composite material is shaded to blend with your own enamel, fillings may be placed on the back and front teeth for a seamless finish. These fillings often allow for a more conservative approach to care and require less removal of tooth structure to place. If you have metal fillings, talk to our State College, PA dentists about having them taken out and replaced with this tooth-colored alternative.

Receiving a composite filling at Advanced Dentistry is generally a one-visit process. The treatment area will be numbed with a local anesthetic to help you feel comfortable. Sedation dentistry services may be considered for any fears or dental anxieties to keep you relaxed during the procedure. Once you are ready, our dentists will use an expert technique to remove the affected (decayed or damaged) tooth structure. We will then disinfect the tooth and fill in the area with a shade of composite selected to match your own tooth enamel. A curing light will be used to set (harden) your filling in place. Our dentists in State College, PA, will then polish the filling, so it matches your natural teeth and check to ensure your bite feels even and comfortable.

You will be able to resume your day after your filling is placed, but you may notice slight sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures for a few days. This can often be managed with over-the-counter pain medication to treat discomfort. If your filling seems uneven or high once the local anesthetic has worn off, please contact us so that we can arrange for a quick adjustment in our State College, PA office. Your filling can be cleaned by following a normal home oral care routine, including daily brushing and flossing. Our dentists will continually monitor the health of your filling when you visit Advanced Dentistry for your routine dental exam and cleaning visits.

Tooth-colored fillings are a standard treatment for dental cavities and tooth damage and are typically covered in part by insurance. A member of our team will contact your dental insurance company to understand your coverage before calculating any estimated out-of-pocket costs. At Advanced Dentistry, we proudly offer a wide selection of payment options, including a Healthy Smiles Program and low-cost financing plans, to help patients get the treatment they need without financial worry.

Are tooth-colored composite resin fillings better than silver amalgam fillings?
White composite tooth fillings can bond to your teeth better than silver amalgam fillings. This hold on your enamel makes it less likely that your tooth will crack. The composite fillings can also be shaded to match your natural teeth.

How long will tooth-colored resin fillings last?
Composite fillings can last over a decade when you maintain your oral health with regular brushing, flossing, and annual dental cleanings. For additional information on composite resin dental fillings, schedule an appointment in our office.

Will tooth-colored fillings match my natural teeth?
Yes. A tooth-colored filling can be shaded to match your natural enamel color. This allows for a seamless blend with your natural teeth, making them almost indistinguishable.

Cavities and chips on the teeth can often be treated with the simplicity of a tooth-colored filling. At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, our dentists skillfully treat minor to moderate areas of tooth decay and damage with composite fillings that blend naturally and seamlessly with your smile. If you or your family members have dental needs, please contact our State College, PA office today and schedule a consultation!