Repair Tooth Damage and Decay with Single-visit Dental Fillings
There was a time when the only solution for dental decay was amalgam fillings, which are silver restorations forged from several metals, including mercury. While metal fillings are durable, the silver may likely turn dark gray over time and mar your entire smile.
Today, many dentists, including Dr. Osayomore Eguakun, no longer use amalgams. Instead, we use composite fillings created from safe and tooth-colored materials. Whether it’s a cavity or minor damage, our tooth-colored fillings can restore your tooth’s form and function to its prime state.
How are dental fillings placed?
Placing composite fillings is a minor procedure, but we’ll do everything possible to ensure optimum comfort. We’ll administer local anesthetics to ensure a painless experience. Still, we offer sedation dentistry for patients who need help to keep calm.
Once you are comfortable, we’ll gently remove the damaged/decayed portion of the tooth and sanitize the area thoroughly until all the infection is gone. Then, we’ll carefully apply layered composite resin on the resulting “cavity” and reshape it to restore your tooth’s shape. Next, we’ll harden the filling with a curing light and polish it to match the texture and shine of the surrounding teeth.
After your cavity treatment, you can bounce back to your everyday activities. However, avoid hot foods or chewing for at least two hours until the anesthesia wears off. Otherwise, you can bite or burn your cheeks or tongue. Although recovery after a tooth filling is entirely event-free, contact us if you experience prolonged sensitivity or an unnatural bite.
How are dental fillings maintained?
Dental fillings require maintenance to keep looking good and last many years. Good news! Caring for your filling isn’t any different from maintaining your natural teeth. Observe the following tips to keep your composite fillings in great shape.
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss everyday
- Use a medicated mouthwash to remove lingering bacteria from where your toothbrush cannot reach
- Adhere to regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist
- Avoid smoking since composites are easily stained
- Consider a customized night guard if you brux your teeth
What are the benefits of composite dental fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are the go-to restorations for mending cavities, fixing minor cracks, and repairing minor cosmetic flaws. We prefer composite fillings because they offer several advantages.
Some include.
- Natural, undetectable appearance
- Placing composites involves a minimally invasive procedure
- They are created from non-toxic, biocompatible materials
- The fillings chemically bond with the tooth for durable results
- White fillings can last 5-8 years with proper maintenance
- Metal-free fillings don’t change in size when exposed to thermal variations
Are you intereste din dental fillings?
Don’t let tooth decay or damage compromise your aesthetics or oral health. Call (615) 200-1195 to talk to Divine Dental Center about tooth-colored fillings. Alternatively, you can reserve a convenient online appointment. We’d be happy to help you achieve a healthy, decay-free smile.
