Tooth-Colored Fillings in Chicago and Hinsdale, IL

Dental cavities are a common problem that develops when bacteria eats away at your enamel. Previously, cavities were treated with an amalgam material, a mixture of metals including mercury or silver. We now know that these fillings don't fuse fully with the enamel and the mercury may be hazardous to your general health. They can also expand and cause the tooth to crack, especially for larger fillings. In addition, when you smile big and see silver fillings, it can often be an unappealing appearance for the simple fact that silver fillings are a sign of dental work performed in previous years.

At Weller Dental in Chicago and Hinsdale, IL, dentist Dr. Jeffrey Weller uses tooth-colored fillings made with a composite resin to fill cavities and protect the tooth. Dr. Weller can also take out metal fillings and apply composite resin fillings for a more reliable and more attractive treatment for cavities. Tooth-colored fillings not only create a healthier tooth, they also create a more appealing smile for our patients.

Composite resin tooth-colored fillings typically seal the area of decay in the enamel of the tooth once it's been cleaned and removed by Dr. Weller. Composite resin is a useful material that may be used to correct other concerns with your teeth, such as chips or wear on the enamel by bruxism (teeth grinding). Since the material is tinted to blend with your teeth, fillings may be placed on the back and front teeth for a great result. If you have amalgam fillings, talk to Dr. Weller about getting them taken out and re-done with composite resin. There are many benefits to doing this both from an oral health and aesthetic viewpoint. 

You will be able to get back to your day once your tooth-colored filling is complete, but you may notice some sensitivity to cold and hot food and beverages for several days. You can use nonprescription pain medicine to minimize discomfort or inflammation; however, you shouldn't experience any serious problems. Your filling should feel natural and in line with your natural bite. During the last portion of the dental procedure, your dentist will check to see if your filling seems uneven or high. A bite test will be performed so that the teeth feel normal. However, once you are at home, if you still feel like your bite feels uneven, please call our office and we will do a simple test to make sure the bite is even and everything feels normal. Your filling should be cleaned by following a regular home care routine including daily flossing and brushing. When you return for your annual dental examination, Dr. Weller will check your filling to make sure it is healthy.

Composite resin fillings are a standard treatment for dental cavities that are typically covered in part by insurance. A team member will talk to your dental insurance company to understand your coverage so we can calculate your out-of-pocket costs. If you don't have dental insurance, a member of our team will talk about the payment methods we accept at your appointment, plus give you information on medical financing.

Cavities in the teeth may begin as a small problem, but it is crucial to have them addressed before they develop into a more expensive concern. At Weller Dental in Chicago and Hinsdale, IL, cavities may be addressed with tooth-colored dental fillings for a gorgeous, healthy smile. Dr. Weller makes sure to match the shade of your teeth so you can have a natural outcome. We invite you to call our Chicago area dental offices to schedule your appointment today.