Tooth-Colored Fillings in Traverse City and Petoskey, MI

Protect and Restore Your Smile

If your teeth have been affected by cavities, tooth decay, or damage, you may find it difficult or even painful to speak, chew, and smile. Thankfully, tooth-colored fillings are a non-invasive, convenient way to restore your smile’s function and appearance.

At Northwood Dental, Dr. Klym is proud to offer this treatment to patients looking to fill in holes in their teeth. Read on to learn more about our mercury-free fillings and how you may benefit.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin material that’s completely mercury-free. Fillings help fill in the gap in a tooth left by cavities, damage, or decay. Dr. Klym will customize this resin to match your natural teeth for a seamless blend with your smile.

Silver (amalgam) fillings can wear down and leak over time, staining your teeth and gums. Our safe composite fillings can last up to 15 years with proper care.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are several benefits associated with tooth-colored fillings that make them superior to silver fillings, such as:

Natural Appearance: Dr. Klym will customize your fillings to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.
Mercury-Free: Our composite fillings don’t contain any mercury, so they won’t break down and stain your teeth and gums over time.
Durability and Longevity: Tooth-colored fillings are strong enough to withstand your daily activities, and can even last up to 15 years with proper maintenance.
Preserves Tooth Structure: Tooth-colored fillings require the removal of less enamel than metal-based fillings, so your natural tooth structure will be preserved.

dentist examining patient's teeth with dental mirror

When Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Necessary?

Tooth-colored fillings are an ideal solution for patients looking to restore the look and function of their smile. Dr. Klym may recommend fillings to patients with:

Teeth affected by cavities
Severely decayed teeth
Persistent toothaches
Missing or broken fillings
Irreparably damaged teeth
Extreme teeth sensitivity

If you suspect you may need a filling, don’t wait to schedule an appointment at our Traverse City or Petoskey office. When teeth have sustained damage or decay, they become more vulnerable to cavities and infection. Dr. Klym will determine if fillings will be an effective treatment for you at your initial consultation.

The Tooth-Colored Filling Process

Thanks to our advanced dental technology, you can receive a tooth-colored filling in just one visit. You’ll first attend a consultation with Dr. Klym, where he’ll evaluate the severity of the damage to determine if fillings will be the most effective treatment.

If approved, Dr. Klym will begin the process by administering a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. He’ll remove any signs of decay to ensure your tooth is clean before sealing it with the dental filling.

Dr. Klym will then mold and place the composite resin, making sure it matches the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. He’ll use a special light to harden the resin, completing this process in layers until achieving the desired shape.

After all the layers are hardened, Dr. Klym will finish the procedure by applying polish to the treated teeth. You’re then ready to show off your restored new smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

Does receiving tooth-colored fillings hurt?

Can I replace my silver filling with a tooth-colored filling?

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

With proper care and maintenance, tooth-colored fillings can last up to 15 years before a replacement is needed. To ensure your fillings remain strong for years to come, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing twice a day, and rinsing with mouthwash between meals.

We also encourage all patients to schedule biannual appointments at our Traverse City or Petoskey office for regular dental exams and cleanings. Routine dental visits are key to maintaining good oral health.

Does receiving tooth-colored fillings hurt?

Receiving tooth-colored fillings is a virtually painless process. Dr. Klym will administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel any pain while he works. It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort once the numbness subsides, but any pain following your procedure can be easily alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers. The soreness will fade within a few days.

Can I replace my silver filling with a tooth-colored filling?

Fillings that contain mercury put your teeth and gums at risk for stains. If you have a metal-based filling, you may be able to replace it with a tooth-colored filling. At your initial consultation, Dr. Klym will evaluate your current fillings and oral health to determine if replacing them will be a safe and effective option.

Learn How Dr. Klym Can Restore Your Healthy Smile

Our mercury-free fillings can help restore and protect your beautiful smile. From a natural appearance to enhanced safety, our composite fillings are the superior option for filling in teeth affected by cavities or decay.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Klym, contact our Traverse City office at (231) 947-7202 or our Petoskey office at (231) 347-2188. You can also request an appointment online by filling out our convenient contact form.