Potomac Family Dental only uses tooth-colored fillings for our patients in Woodbridge VA. These fillings match your natural teeth and are considered safer alternatives to metal fillings that contain mercury.

When you have a cavity that needs to be filled, you not only want a durable material to restore your tooth, but you want something discreet. At Potomac Family Dental, we only use tooth-colored fillings which accurately match your natural teeth and provide a safer alternative to metal fillings.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Made of?

Tooth-colored fillings are made of a modern material called composite resin, which is made using a combination of silica, a sand or glass-like material, and acrylic, a synthetic material.

Unlike amalgam fillings—more commonly known as silver or metal fillings—composite resin contains no heavy metals and therefore does not expose patients to mercury.

With the right care, tooth-colored fillings can last upwards of seven years and potentially even longer. Remember, every filling material has a lifespan and will need to be replaced at some point!

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are several benefits to getting tooth-colored fillings with us in Woodbridge VA as opposed to traditional metal fillings. Why should you consider composite resin to fill your cavity?

• Match your natural smile. Patients love that composite resin fillings match their natural teeth, meaning restoring your tooth won’t result in unsightly shiny metal in the mouth and instead give you a seamless smile to enjoy and improved confidence.
• Less tooth preparation. With tooth-colored fillings, more of your tooth structure is preserved than with traditional filling options, minimizing the need to remove healthy sections of your tooth just to fill your cavity.
• Support tooth structure. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite resin actually bonds to the tooth structure, providing additional support for your damaged tooth.
• Peace of mind. Many patients have concerns about the presence of mercury in traditional metal fillings. With composite resin, there’s no heavy metals and no mercury exposure, allowing patients to feel confident and safe when choosing this material.

What to Expect When Getting a Filling with Us

At Potomac Family Dental, we prioritize patient communication. We answer all your questions and ensure you’re fully informed throughout your procedure.

When getting a composite resin filling, you’ll be given local anesthesia before Dr. Uthman removes the decayed portion of your tooth. Once the decay is removed, the composite resin is placed into the tooth and carefully shaped to fit the biting surface of your tooth.

A blue light will be used to harden the material, and then you’re done! You should avoid eating until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off, but other than this, there are no restrictions following your appointment.

Most appointments for dental fillings can be completed in about one hour depending on your unique smile and how many cavities you’re having filled.

Considering Tooth-Colored Fillings? Call Us!

Whether you have a damaged filling that needs to be removed or repaired or have a cavity you need filled, contact us at Potomac Family Dental to make an appointment or to learn more about the composite resin fillings we use in Woodbridge! Call us today at (703) 348-8070.