Tooth-Colored Fillings in Richardson, TX

Cavities, one of the most common dental problems, develop when the enamel is eroded by bacteria. After the bacteria is removed and the cavity is cleaned, the hole in the enamel must be filled. Previously, cavities were treated with amalgam fillings, which was a combination of several metals like gold and silver. Today, dentists understand that these types of fillings don't bond very well with enamel, not to mention the dangers of mercury fillings to your health. MINT dentistry in Richardson, TX is dedicated to giving our patients advanced treatments that improve their oral health so they have sexy teeth. This is why MINT dentistry uses tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities in your enamel. An advanced dental restoration, tooth-colored fillings are made with a material known as composite resin, which fill in cleaned-out cavities once it is tinted to match your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. The experienced, board-certified MINT dentists in Richardson, TX are dedicated to providing you and your family with the highest-quality dental care with tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities.

Amalgam fillings are a metal-based compound that were the most common treatment to fill cavities and tooth decay for over one hundred years in their patients. Amalgam fillings (made from a combination of metals like mercury, copper, silver, and tin) were the only available material to fill the enamel after a cavity had been removed. Compared to modern, composite resin fillings, laughing, smiling, or talking with your mouth wide open makes these metal fillings are easy to see. Although some people still have amalgam fillings, our board MINT doctors use composite resin fillings to treat tooth decay for a seamless, beautiful smile.

Composite resin fillings are typically used to fill a cavity once it's been sterilized. A versatile dental material, composite resin can also treat other issues, like sealing small cracks or strengthening worn-down enamel caused by grinding your teeth. Since the filling is shaded to blend with your enamel, tooth-colored fillings are placed on any tooth for an attractive, seamless smile. If you're concerned about old amalgam fillings, ask your dentist about getting them replaced with fillings made with composite resin.

At MINT dentistry, getting a filling for a cavity is usually a simple procedure. At the start of your appointment, we'll help you relax in a massaging treatment chair, then you can decide on what you want to listen to during your procedure. We'll then numb the needed areas of your mouth using local anesthesia so you won't feel any discomfort. Stronger sedation options can be reviewed with your dentist to keep you comfortable and relaxed if you have any anxieties or fears about your treatment. When you're prepped and relaxed, the decayed area will be carefully removed with an advanced drill. After the decayed area is eliminated and the surrounding enamel is sanitized, the hole can be sealed with composite resin and set. We will then polish the material so it feels smooth.

You should be able to get back to your regular diet and activities immediately following the procedure because the composite resin material used for the filling will be cured, leaving a tough surface. Some patients experience sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for 1 – 3 days, but this should resolve on its own. You can take non-prescription pain medication if you need it, but most patients have little to no discomfort. We recommend patients return after getting a filling for an adjustment to keep your dental bite correct. Complications with your bite are common since your mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia; however, it is easy to fix. Just contact our office. To keep your new tooth-colored filling clean, you should follow a good routine at home that includes brushing and flossing every day. At your future exams, your dentist will check 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 maintain your oral health, it's important to schedule professional cleanings twice a year at MINT dentistry.

Tooth-colored fillings are a common treatment for cavities that are normally coveredup to 100% if you have dental insurance. Our front office will speak to your insurance provider to understand your coverage and calculate your remaining cost. For patients without insurance, we will talk to you about the payment methods we accept and information on low-interest medical financing. MINT dentistry wants to make sure every patient has sexy teeth and we're dedicated to making it easy for everyone to fit dental care into their budget. Ask us about how the MINT Discount Plan can make your dental care more affordable.

Dental cavities are a common issue, but at MINT dentistry, we can treat them in a simple and effective manner to help restore your oral health while keeping your smile beautiful. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, a tooth-colored filling can quickly and easily treat a small area of tooth decay. MINT dentistry's board-certified dentists will shade the filling to match your teeth so you have an attractive smile and better oral health. If you or a member of your family may have a dental cavitiy, contact MINT dentistry in Richardson, TX to schedule a dental exam.