Tooth-Colored Fillings
Bellevue Overlake Dental
If our Bellevue dentistry clinic finds a large cavity in a tooth that needs to be filled, we may recommend tooth-colored fillings as part of your treatment plan.
This is a restorative procedure that helps to rebuild your teeth by creating a strong bond of resin materials in the dentin and enamel of the teeth.
The result is a very natural-looking tooth that functions just like your regular teeth, which simultaneously prevents any further damage or decay to the delicate pulp of the tooth.
Fillings come in three different varieties: direct fillings, semi-direct fillings, and indirect fillings. Direct fillings are placed inside the cavity. Resin is usually applied in layers. Semi-direct fillings are needed to repair larger areas, but this form of tooth restoration can be removed when needed.
Indirect fillings are necessary when a complex restoration is needed. After the filling has been set in place, our dentists can polish it as needed and also adjust the bite to ensure optimal functioning. Dr. Yu will make a recommendation on the type of filling you need during your consultation.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Benefits of tooth-colored fillings include the following:
- While other fillings are silver and unsightly, tooth-colored fillings have a natural, healthy appearance that blends in with your existing tooth structure. Nobody will even be able to tell that you’ve had a cavity!
- Compared to amalgam fillings, which contain mercury and entail certain health concerns, tooth-colored fillings are largely harmless and feature few, if any, side-effects.
- If your existing tooth structure is weak, a tooth-colored filling can fortify your tooth and prevent future breakage.
- Installing a tooth-colored filling is a simple procedure with highly predictable results and very little chance of error.
Schedule a consultation for tooth-colored fillings at Bellevue Overlake Dental clinic today! Call us at 425-453-9999 during normal business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tooth-colored fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are mercury-free restorations that rebuild a tooth by bonding resin material to the dentin and enamel. The result is a natural-looking tooth that functions like your regular teeth.
Why choose tooth-colored fillings over silver fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings blend in with your natural tooth structure instead of appearing silver, and they do not contain mercury.
What types of tooth-colored fillings are there?
There are three types: direct fillings placed inside the cavity in layers, semi-direct fillings for larger areas, and indirect fillings for more complex restorations. Dr. Yu will recommend the type you need during your consultation.
Can a filling help strengthen a weak tooth?
Yes. If your existing tooth structure is weak, a tooth-colored filling can help fortify the tooth and protect it from future breakage.
What happens after a tooth-colored filling is placed?
Once the filling is set, Dr. Yu polishes it as needed and adjusts your bite so the tooth functions properly.
Do you offer tooth-colored fillings for children?
Yes. Tooth-colored fillings are part of the pediatric dentistry services at Bellevue Overlake Dental, along with cleanings, checkups, fluoride, and sealants.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not replace a dental examination by Dr. Monika Yu. For questions about your dental health, contact Bellevue Overlake Dental.
