Tooth Colored FillingsWhen a patient comes to Smile Hawaii for dental fillings we make it our duty to provide them with the best options that we have available. If a patient needs a filling, we first explain to them the two classes of fillings that are available which are the composite resin filling and the amalgam metallic alloy fillings. Sometimes people do not know the name of fillings and therefore they use the color as a distinction and may refer to them as “white fillings” and “silver fillings”.

At our dental office in Kahului, HI, we usually recommend the composite filling as it is made of a plastic resin that is soft and can cure easily after it is exposed to the light spectrum. These fillings are glued on to the tooth and are also quite small so that they can easily adjust to the shape of a cavity without any problems. The positive side to getting a composite filling is that they are available in many colors and will not lead to darkening of your teeth with the passage of time. The metal fillings on the other hand only come in a single color and can eventually lead to darkening of the tooth as time progresses.

The composite fillings are a lot softer than the metal fillings and must be kept clean always by brushing and flossing regularly. These days when patients come to our dental office they are more likely to select composite fillings as they are an affordable option and are closer in resemblance to the natural tooth. Dr. Lance Ogata has been doing fillings for numerous years, therefore, he has a lot of experience and can complete a filling in as little as thirty to forty minutes.

When you come to Smile Hawaii, we will provide you with all the information you may need on fillings and will explain the benefits of the composite resin, also called the white filling. If you would like to learn a little bit about them, we have broken it down so that it is easier to understand the benefits to see which option is best for you.

  1. With a composite filling, you will be able to get the same shade as your natural teeth, while at the same time receiving the protection that you need. Many people may refer to this filling as “white” but, they are a crème in color.
  2. The composite fillings have the absolute same function as the metal ones do, but they are a lot more effective in restoring the teeth which have undergone extreme levels of decay. The reason they are a lot more popular among our patients is that they blend in with the color of the teeth and no one will ever know that you received a filling.

Getting a Filling

If the doctor decides that you need a composite filling he will first remove all the decay the tooth has undergone and thoroughly clean the affected area. The cleaning of the affected area is very important as it removes all germs and bacteria that have been left behind due to the constant decay of the tooth. The next part of the process involves placing the filling on the tooth so that can be shaped before it hardens. This part of the process requires a lot of accuracy as Dr. Ogata will have to make sure that the shape is just right so that once you bite the teeth will fit together correctly.

How Long Can the Composite Resin Filling Last?

Well, the answer to that is dependent on if the individual practices good oral hygiene or not. After getting a filling the doctor will recommend brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and will also advise that you do not bite down on objects that are too hard. When you are at our office you can ask Dr. Ogata which fluoride toothpaste is best for you and can help to strengthen your teeth. The wonderful thing about fillings is that the better level of care that you provide the longer they will last. The doctor will also advise you to floss regularly and maintain good oral hygiene habits.

Adjusting to the Composite Filling

After the fillings, you may feel a little different when it comes to chewing foods and adjusting to the difference that has taken place. After the filling, your mouth may feel a little bit different, but that is ok as it will take some time to adjust. Within the next few days, you will notice that filling is right in place and can return to eating all your favorite foods. At Smile Hawaii we try to make it a wonderful experience for our patients when they come to receive treatment from us. So, when you come to us for a composite filling we will always do our best to provide you with high-quality services so that you always get the dental care that you deserve. We are a team of professionals who are committed to our business and love restoring the teeth of our patients daily so that they can enjoy their favorite foods, avoid tooth decay, and have a beautiful smile once they leave our clinic.