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Tooth-Colored Fillings

Since fillings are one of the most common dental restorations we perform, Dr. Azenheimer has had an opportunity to perfect the art of durable, esthetic fillings. He takes special pride in ensuring that these necessary restorations not only provide great function, but also match your tooth so perfectly that all but the highly trained eye would never notice that you have a filling!

Dentistry is functional and necessary but it is also an art, and your smile is the masterpiece. At Shoreland Dental, we proudly offer tooth-colored fillings to protect and complement our patients’ smiles.

Restorative Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dental decay is something most of us will face. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 95 percent of American adults require at least one filling at some point during their lifetime.

If you are an adult in your 40s or 50s, you probably have at least one metal amalgam filling in your mouth. You have probably noticed that over the years, it has caused your entire tooth to darken. You may have even needed to replace one in the past since metal is sensitive to temperature and may expand and contract.

Tooth-colored fillings provide an alternative that does not leave a dark mark on your smile. Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite material that includes BPA-free plastic and glass particles in a wide variety of shades to match your tooth. Once your filling is placed and cured with a special curing light, it will feel very much like your natural tooth and blend in perfectly.

While placing fillings is routine work for most family and general dentists, Dr. Dave takes great pride in creating the perfect restoration for you. He chooses a shade that matches your natural tooth and spends time shaping and contouring your filling until it matches the shape of your natural tooth. Your tongue will not even be able to tell the difference as the final result is polished to a smooth shine.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

In addition to being highly esthetic, tooth-colored fillings have other advantages.

Conservative treatment – Unlike amalgam fillings, which require the removal of a significant amount of tooth structure, composite fillings provide conservative treatment. Dr. Azenheimer will only need to remove the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth to place the tooth-colored filling, leaving much of your healthy tooth structure in place.

Immediate use – You will not have to wait to chew on your new filling because Dr. Dave will cure it with a UV light, hardening it immediately.

Less sensitivity – Amalgam fillings contain metal, which is sensitive to temperature. Cold foods may make your amalgam filling sensitive. Composite fillings are not affected by the natural temperature changes of eating.

Contact Shoreland Dental for Your Next Dental Appointment

We look forward to welcoming you to out Hazlet dental office and providing you with high-quality protective dental restorations that give you a healthy and beautiful smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

I brush and floss my teeth. Why do I still get cavities?

People have different needs, and dentistry is no different! If you brush your teeth twice daily and feel frustrated by constant diagnoses of cavities, you may want to come in for a consultation to determine how you can fend off decay and keep your smile healthy.

It could be your diet. While most people are aware of the connection between sugary snacks and dental decay, they don’t always know that starchy foods can cause the same issues. Starch converts to sugar during the digestion process, which begins in your mouth. Bagels, corn flakes, potato chips, and popcorn can all have a similar effect on teeth. Avoiding these foods or brushing your teeth after consuming them can keep your enamel healthy.

It could be your family’s health. Just as bacteria that cause illnesses like strep throat are contagious, the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease are also transferrable through kissing and sharing utensils. Taking care of the oral health of your entire family will help you stay healthier.

Your teeth may be extra groovy. Having deep grooves in your teeth can provide a home for food particles and bacteria. Dental sealants create a barrier between food particles and the bacteria that feed off of them. They are much more affordable and less invasive than having regular fillings.

Meet Our Doctor:

David Azenheimer, DMD

Dr. David Azenheimer, or "Dr.Dave" as our patients know him, has brightened smiles and provided comprehensive dental care to patients in New Jersey since 2001. He earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Tufts University. Prior to dental school, he earned a master's degree in biomedical science from Drexel University and a bachelor's degree in biology from Lehigh University.

Dr. Dave was born and raised in New Jersey and has been in private practice for over fifteen years. He has extensive experience in all aspects of dentistry, including cosmetic, endodontics, dentures, ...