If your tooth is found to have a white spot, you have an area of demineralization or tooth decay. The white spot can result from either bacteria acid erosion or tartar buildup. At Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry, we treat white spots by removing the bacteria and acids that cause the decay and replacing them with minerals to strengthen and rebuild the tooth enamel. This treatment is known as the infiltration of resin. A liquid resin material is inserted into the cavity, and the bonding agent helps harden it. This prevents further decay and stops the infection from spreading to other teeth.

This procedure is simple and painless for the patient. There is no drilling involved, and no anesthesia is needed. It is a minimally invasive procedure that restores the health of the affected tooth and prevents further damage from happening.

Resin Infiltration

Resin infiltration is an in-office treatment that whitens teeth by filling their microscopic pores with a tooth-colored resin material. This material is then hardened with a special light, like how dental bonding is applied at the dentist’s office. Resin infiltration is non-invasive and only lies in the crevices of the enamel and dentin, leaving the natural appearance of the treated teeth.

The Benefits of Resin Infiltration

To repair white spots, your dentist will carefully apply a tooth-colored liquid to the tooth's surface before hardening the material with a curing light. Your dentist will then shape and polish the tooth to smooth the surface and match your surrounding teeth. 

Because this method is similar to cosmetic bonding, it can be completed in a single visit and is relatively inexpensive. Unlike cosmetic bonding, however, the resin material is bonded to the tooth structure instead of applied over it. As a result, it offers more durability and can last for a minimum of eight years when properly cared for. 

Another benefit of resin infiltration is that it is a non-invasive alternative to other forms of treatment for white spots, such as in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments or porcelain veneers. When performed by an experienced cosmetic dentist, this conservative treatment method can safely and effectively treat various conditions, including enamel hypoplasia, fluoride deficiency, and abrasions. 

If you have white spots on your teeth that may result from a calcium deficiency, visit Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry at 2 Coolidge St Suite 202, Hudson, MA 01749, or call (508) 658-0661 for the best care possible.