White Dental Fillings in Sunnyvale CA

White fillings are prominently used to restore cavity-infected teeth. They are either made from dental-grade ceramic or composite resin, as they are biocompatible and can be made to mimic the exact appearance of the natural teeth. White fillings can also be used for other purposes, such as restoring chipped or cracked teeth, covering the occlusal grooves, reshaping teeth, etc.

What are the advantages of white fillings?

• White fillings offer excellent durability. Their extent of wear is similar to that of the natural enamel, which is quite negligible. This feature makes them last longer.
• They can be customized to match the exact appearance of the enamel, thereby keeping them in disguise. In comparison to metal and amalgam fillings, white fillings do a great job of remaining indistinguishable.
• White fillings are biocompatible. They do not cause any toxic reactions with the natural tissues of the mouth, such as in the case of amalgam fillings.
• They offer excellent sealing properties, which keep the microbes from entering the cavity and causing reinfection.
• Composite and ceramic fillings do not abnormally expand or contract when you eat hot or cold foods. This prevents any damage that could be caused to the teeth.

How are white fillings placed?

The Sunnyvale dentist will thoroughly diagnose your oral condition and determine whether or not you require dental fillings. Sometimes, the cavity can be a minor one, for which removing the decay and disinfecting it will suffice. When the cavity has advanced slightly deeper, it will ideally require a filling to be restored to its original contour.

The dentist will remove the decay using a hand-held ultrasonic scaling device. Its metal tip vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies, which is used to dislodge the decay and tartar. The removed debris will be washed away using a jet of water. Next, the dentist will prepare the filling by matching it with the color of your enamel. It will be placed in the cavity, shaped accordingly, and hardened using a curing light of the right intensity. A bite test will be conducted to make sure the filling isn’t altering your natural bite. If required, it will be trimmed and polished to enhance its appearance.

For more information about white dental fillings or to schedule a consultation with Drs. Lee, Tu & Chung, call our office in Sunnyvale at 408-830-0123.