Tooth-Colored Fillings

content-fillingsNatural-Looking Fillings from Your Chicago Area Dentist

Dr. Engelberg believes that all dentistry is cosmetic dentistry, and that’s why he uses tooth-colored restorations when treating cavities. Not so long ago, amalgam was the filling material of choice for most dentists, but it has waned in popularity due to its unsightly silver appearance. To help patients avoid flashing a mouth full of dark fillings when they laugh, Dr. Engelberg places composite resin fillings that are dyed to match surrounding teeth and are virtually undetectable.

Composite Resin Filling Placement

To place a composite resin filling, Dr. Engelberg will first numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthestic if necessary. Next, he will gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth and shape the space in preparation for the filling material. He will then slightly etch the surface of the prepared space so that the filling material will bond optimally with the tooth. After placing the soft composite resin material onto the tooth, he will harden it with a special light and finish off the process by buffing and polishing the filling, taking great care to ensure a proper fit with opposing teeth when you bite.

Advantages of Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings require less tooth structure to be removed before placement. Your teeth will remain stronger and function better the more natural tooth structure you retain. Composite resin also does not expand over time like amalgam fillings, which can cause teeth to crack. The cosmetic advantages of tooth-colored fillings speak for themselves, as no one will be able to tell you ever had a cavity in the first place. If you have old amalgam fillings you would like to replace for cosmetic reasons, Dr. Engelberg can safely remove them, minimizing your exposure to vapors or filling particles, and replace them with natural-looking composite resin.

For exceptional restorative and cosmetic dental care in Arlington Heights, contact Dr. Brent Engelberg today. We serve patients from Buffalo Grove, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Palatine, Wheeling, Barrington, and the surrounding areas.