Dental fillings are used to restore the tooth structure that is damaged by dental cavities and tooth decay. To treat a dental cavity, your dentist first needs to get rid of the decayed portion of the tooth. He then "fills" that particular tooth so that it regains its normal functionality. Apart from treating cavities, dental fillings are also used to repair broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth.

What is a tooth-colored filling?
Tooth-colored fillings or composite resin fillings come in a color that is identical to the color of your natural teeth. This type of dental fillings is suitable for patients who prefer to retain the natural color of their teeth even after the filling. These fillings are a blend of plastic resins and silica fillers and represent many qualities of the natural tooth structure. They easily get bonded to the tooth structure and also help strengthen it in a better way as compared to traditional amalgam fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are mainly involved in cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Author's Bio: 

Smiles on Hickmann is a family dental practice located in Des Moines, IA. We are committed to providing the best, personalized dental care solutions to patients and their families. Our well-trained and experienced team of dentists in Des Moines ensures that our patients feel comfortable during their visit with us. We use advanced dental techniques that enable us to provide quality care in the fields of cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, sedation dentistry, oral surgery, and more. We strive to form long-lasting bonds with all our patients and offer them a lifetime of healthy smiles