Repair Minor Tooth Decay and Damage with Aesthetically Appealing Composite fillings
Even with good oral hygiene, you can still develop a cavity. It can be frustrating, but we’ve got you covered. Cotton Creek Dental offers composite fillings in Washington, Utah, to repair tooth damage and decay. Unlike amalgams of years past, composite fillings are tooth-colored, and the procedure is minimally invasive. If you have tooth decay or damage, schedule an appointment with Drs. David Brown and Jacob Jennings. Our team will devise a treatment plan that restores oral health and prevents future issues.
Why do I need a dental filling?
Dental fillings are synonymous with cavity treatments, but they offer more than that. Here are several reasons you may need a tooth filling.
- Treat decay: Cavities develop when plaque accumulates in the mouth. Dental plaque contains harmful bacteria, which secrete acidic toxins as they feed on starches and sugars in the mouth. Over time, harmful bacteria erode the enamel, causing small holes that progress into cavities. Tooth-colored fillings reverse tooth decay and protect your tooth from further damage.
- Fix chips and cracks: Composite fillings can repair damage and prevent it from progressing.
- Mask discoloration: To improve their appearance, the dentist can apply tooth-colored resin on stubbornly discolored teeth.
- Fill gaps: Do you have minor gaps between teeth? Or do you have gingival dark triangles between the teeth? Tooth-colored fillings can cover up unwanted gaps to achieve a beautiful, complete smile.
How are tooth-colored fillings placed?
Placing a filling is a simple, painless procedure. Drs. Brown or Jennings will examine your tooth to determine the extent of damage. If the damage is significant or has reached the pulp chamber, you may need additional procedures for long-lasting outcomes. If only a filling is required, your gums will be numbed with local anesthetics before removing the decayed/damaged portions of the tooth. Then, we will thoroughly clean your tooth until all the infection is gone.
Once the site is clean and healthy, composite material will be carefully applied to the tooth. The color of the composite seamlessly matches the surrounding teeth. The resin bonds securely with the tooth but is hardened with a special light for durability. Once the filling has set, the tooth is reshaped to ensure that the bite feels natural. Finally, the filling is polished to achieve a smooth, consistent surface.
What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?
Our office does not use just any material, even for simple procedures like cavity fillings. While fillings can be made from several materials, we prefer composite fillings for the following reasons.
- Aesthetics: Composites are shaded like natural enamel, providing unrivaled aesthetics. Once we restore your tooth with a filling, there’ll be no evidence of dental work, even for front teeth, where aesthetics matter!
- Minimally invasive: Amalgam fillings require significant removal of the tooth structure for maximum retention. We only need to remove a small portion of the tooth to place composite fillings. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, requiring less removal of healthy structure.
- Durability: Composite fillings are durable and resistant to fractures for small to medium cavities. With proper maintenance, they can last over 10 years.
- Safety: Composites are created from biocompatible, toxic-free materials, making them a safe option for restoring teeth.
Are you looking for tooth-colored fillings near Washington, Utah?
Overcome tooth decay or damage with tooth-colored fillings at Cotton Creek Dental. To discover what composite fillings can do for your smile, call (435) 673-4605 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Brown or Jennings.
