Although composite resin fillings can be used as part of a smile makeover, they also play an important part in maintaining good dental health. The materials used help repair and strengthen damaged teeth while offering patients a more discreet treatment plan.
Dental patients of all ages should have cavities treated promptly. Failure to do this can lead to serious and unsightly complications, including:
Dentists can use tooth colored fillings to treat cavities, preventing further damage to the tooth while removing the decayed tissue for a healthier mouth. The finished product is also very natural, and many patients find that it is virtually unnoticeable once complete.
For many years, metal or amalgam fillings were the treatment of choice for repairing cavities. However, the materials used in these fillings have numerous unwanted and unnecessary side effects. Although it is in safe amounts, amalgam fillings do contain mercury, and many people prefer to limit their exposure to this chemical element. The metals used can also cause sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures. Most of all, metal fillings can be very unsightly and can result in a smile that is less than appealing. Replacing them with tooth colored fillings can solve these issues.
When patients receive tooth colored fillings to treat existing decay, the dentist will numb the affected area as needed to prevent discomfort. Next, the decayed tissues must be removed, usually with a drill or laser, and the surfaces are cleaned to neutralize any lingering bacteria. Then, the dentist can begin the process of filling the tooth.
A composite resin material is used to fill the existing hole. A dentist will often color the material to closely match the natural tooth shade. Once the resin is applied, a dental light is used to cure it and permanently adhere it to the tooth. Some final shaping may be necessary to achieve the desired form and surface texture so the tooth can function properly.
When cosmetic dentists replace an existing amalgam filling with a tooth colored one, the process is very similar. However, instead of removing diseased tissue, the dentist will remove the metal components and check for any signs of continuing decay. The tooth is cleaned as needed, and the treatment process continues in the same fashion.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Houston, TX
Tooth colored fillings allow dental patients to maintain better oral health without sacrificing a beautiful smile. A cosmetic dentist can even replace existing metal fillings with a composite resin material for more natural-looking results. Treating cavities promptly can help keep your teeth healthy, strong, and more attractive.
Request an appointment or call Hermann Park Smiles at 713-522-1717 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Dental fillings are made from plastics, glass, metals, or other materials. Traditional and tooth colored fillings are used to close small holes in the teeth that are commonly caused by cavities. The dentist will extract decayed tissues and replace them with one of those materials. These dental fillings usually last for many years before the…
Wisdom teeth have terrible timing. They usually push through between the late teens and the…
People call our Almeda Rd office every week with a version of the same question.…
A crown is a cap. It covers the whole visible tooth, all the way around,…
Veneer pricing in Houston lands in two bands. Porcelain veneers typically run about $1,000 to…
Straightening your teeth as an adult sounds like a time problem before it sounds like…
Most weeks, someone calls our Museum District office with the same problem. A molar that…
