White Fillings Specialist

Ewa Awad, DDS -  - Dentist

Dentex Smile Studio

Ewa Awad, DDS

Dentist located in Morris County, Morristown, NJ

Dr. Awad provides white fillings to her Morris County, New Jersey patients from her modern practice located in Morristown. Composite, or white fillings, provide a natural looking material to repair cavities and decay.

White Fillings Q & A

What are fillings?

A filling is used to correct a tooth which has been harmed by decay and has a cavity, by removing the decay and restoring the tooth to normal function and shape. A filling also helps to prevent additional decay. White fillings are restorations made of composite resin that is tinted to match the surrounding tooth material, so they are virtually invisible to anyone besides the dentist or hygienist. Also called tooth-colored fillings, white fillings use a special composite resin material to fill teeth after decayed or damaged portions of the tooth have been removed, and they can be used to treat both small and large defects.

How do composite fillings compare to traditional metal amalgam fillings?

Composite fillings are preferred by many patients for aesthetic reasons – unlike metal fillings that are very noticeable and tend to darken over time, composite fillings can be custom tinted to match your other teeth and can be shaped to look completely natural and almost unnoticeable. For that reason, they're often referred to as tooth-colored fillings or white fillings. Beyond cosmetics, composite fillings are designed to bond with the tooth surface rather than simply laying on top, which means they may be more effective in preventing future decay that can occur when bacteria seeps in around the edges of metal fillings.

How long will a composite filling last?

Composite fillings are extremely durable, and they can last a long time with proper care, including routine brushing and flossing and regular dental visits. Like metal fillings, composite resin fillings are not designed to last forever, and at some point, they may need to be replaced due to wear and tear. Eventually, a filling that needs to be replaced will cause sensitivity or pain. However, Dr. Awad will check your fillings during your regular checkups. If a filling is becoming loose or not effectively protecting your tooth, she will recommend replacing the filling. It is important to have fillings replaced as needed to protect your teeth from decay and damage.