Tooth-Colored Fillings Moore County

Our mouths are home to hundreds, even thousands, of species of bacteria. Some of these species feed on the sugars and other carbs in our food, producing acid that attacks our tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities that can be effectively treated with tooth-colored fillings at our Moore County dental practice to restore the natural appearance of your smile.

Cavities make conditions more favorable for these bacteria. Food gets trapped in the hole, and the bacteria are more sheltered from your saliva, which is harmful to them. In the cavity, their acid concentrates, speeding up the damage to your teeth.

As the cavity grows larger, you might start to feel sensitivity. Eventually, the cavity will reach the center of the tooth, where the living nerve is. Once bacteria infect the interior of the tooth, it can be very painful–and dangerous. That is when you need root canal therapy.

Filling a cavity in its early stages seals it and slows the damage, so you are less likely to need a crown or root canal therapy. Our Aberdeen general dentists focuses on restoring your smile and repairing your teeth with effective, minimally invasive treatments. Early intervention with tooth-colored fillings ensures long-term dental health and helps maintain a beautiful, functional smile.

Our restorative dentist, Dr. Ritt Kuhn offers two types of tooth-colored fillings. Ceramic inlays and onlays are recommended for large cavities.

But for most cavities, composite fillings work well.

Composite fillings are made of a soft resin (plastic) that has ceramic inclusions to improve the strength and durability of the material. The process of applying these fillings is simple.

First, we remove all damaged tooth structure. Then we use a light acid wash to roughen the surface of the tooth where the filling will be.

The composite is initially soft, like a paste, so we apply it to the prepared area and shape it. Then we use a light to harden the filling. Depending on the size of the cavity, we might repeat these two steps to make sure we harden the filling completely.

Once the filling is complete, we polish it to give it an attractive surface.

In these cases, ceramic inlays and onlays may be recommended. Inlays and onlays are designed for larger cavities that don’t require a full crown but need more strength than a standard filling. They fit within the contours of your tooth, offering a more durable solution than a filling, especially for back teeth that endure more pressure while chewing. Inlays and onlays restore both the function and appearance of a tooth and are made from high-quality ceramic to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

For cavities that are too large or teeth that are cracked, fractured, or severely worn, a dental crown may be necessary. Crowns, including CEREC crowns, provide full coverage and restore the tooth’s strength and appearance. CEREC crowns offer the added benefit of being created and placed in a single visit, making them a convenient and durable solution for more extensive damage.

By using inlays, onlays, and crowns, we ensure your tooth is properly restored, regardless of the level of damage or decay.

If you have one or more cavities, it’s important to take action early. A tooth-colored filling can stop the destruction of your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. At Kuhn Dental Associates, we use modern, effective fillings to repair damage and prevent further issues. Gone are the days of metal amalgam fillings—we now offer a more aesthetic, durable, and healthier option.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—fillings in their early stages are much more effective and prevent the need for more extensive treatments like crowns or root canals. Call us today at (910) 692-4450 to protect your dental health.