Tooth-ColoredFillings
About Tooth-Colored Fillings in Decatur, GA
Developing cavities is a concern for many patients. Cavities happen when bacteria erode your enamel. After the bacteria gets removed and the cavity is cleaned, the hole in the enamel is filled. In the past, cavities were filled with amalgam, a material mixture of metals such as silver or mercury. Now, we know that metal fillings don't bond very well with enamel, not to mention the dangers of mercury fillings to your health. At MINT dentistry in Decatur, GA, we focus on giving our patients advanced treatments that meet their dental needs so they have sexy teeth.
For this reason, MINT dentistry provides tooth-colored fillings to treat dental cavities. As advanced dental restorations, tooth-colored fillings are made with a material known as composite resin, which fills in cleaned-out cavities once it is tinted to match your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. Our highly skilled and dedicated board-certified dental health professionals in Decatur, GA will provide you and your family with the highest-quality dental care by treating cavities with tooth-colored fillings.
Tooth-Colored Vs. Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings were a common metal material utilized as one of the most common ways to fix tooth decay for over one hundred years. Amalgam fillings (made from a combination of metals such as tin, silver, mercury, and copper) were once the only option to treat a dental cavity and restore the tooth. Compared to modern composite resin fillings, opening your mouth wide to yawn, laugh, or talk makes these metal fillings very noticeable. While some people still have amalgam fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use composite resin fillings to save the tooth's structure for a seamless, beautiful smile.
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When Is a Composite Filling Needed?
Once a cavity gets cleaned, composite resin fillings fill the decayed area. A versatile dental material, composite resin can also treat other issues with the teeth, including cracks, or to strengthen worn-down enamel caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the filling is colored to match your teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be used to treat any area of your front and back teeth for an attractive, seamless smile. If you're concerned about silver fillings, speak with a member of the Decatur, GA MINT dentistry team about getting them replaced with fillings made with composite resin.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
Placing a tooth-colored filling at MINT dentistry is a simple procedure thanks to modern dental technology. To begin your appointment, we'll help you relax in a massage treatment chair, allowing you to decide what you want to listen to during the treatment. The treatment area(s) will then be numbed with a local anesthetic so you won't feel discomfort. Our dental team can discuss other forms of sedation with if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. When you are at ease and prepared, the decayed enamel is removed carefully with an advanced drill. After we remove the affected enamel and the tooth is cleaned, the space will be filled with the composite material and set with a special light. Your dentist will polish the filling so it feels smooth.
Dental Filling Aftercare
After the procedure, it is acceptable to resume your regular diet immediately. The filling is cured and creates a tough surface, so you don’t have to worry about food or liquid disturbing the area. Some patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for 1 – 3 days, but that should wear off soon. You may take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if needed, but most patients have little to no discomfort. We highly recommend that patients return for an adjustment after getting fillings to ensure the bite is perfect. Complications with your bite are almost unavoidable, but we'll provide an easy fix and numb the affected area with local anesthesia, so you don't feel a thing. Just call our office. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean with a home oral care routine, including flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. At your annual dental exam, we will inspect your tooth-colored filling and determine if it should be replaced or repaired. Fillings made with composite resin material typically look natural and last for a long time. To make sure your teeth remain healthy, it is important to attend regular dental cleanings and examinations with our team of MINT dental professionals in Decatur, GA
The MINT Commitment
Tooth-colored fillings are a standard treatment for cavities that are usually covered, at least partly, by dental insurance. The financial team at MINT dentistry will contact your insurance provider to determine your exact coverage before calculating your cost. For patients without insurance, we can talk to you about the payment methods accepted by our practice during your consultation and provide you with information on low-interest medical financing. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in Decatur, GA get sexy teeth, and we're committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Please speak with your dentist for more information on how we can make your dental experience more affordable with the MINT Discount Plan.
A Bright, Healthy Smile
No one is immune to developing a cavity, but here at MINT dentistry, we perform treatments to keep your smile healthy and dazzling. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, tooth-colored fillings can stop tooth decay before more significant problems develop. MINT dentistry's board-certified dentists will match the color of your natural teeth to give you a seamless, healthy smile. If you or a member of your family may have a cavity in your enamel, contact MINT dentistry in Decatur, GA to schedule an oral health exam.