Tooth-ColoredFillings
About Tooth-Colored Fillings in Conyers, GA
Cavities are created when bacteria erode the tooth enamel, and they can be a big fear for many patients. After the bacteria is removed and the cavity is cleaned, the hole in the enamel must be filled. Not too long ago, cavities were treated with amalgam fillings, which were made with different combinations of metals, including silver, gold, and mercury. Now, dentists understand that these types of fillings do not adhere well to dental enamel, plus there are dangers to your health from mercury-based fillings. At MINT dentistry in Conyers, GA, we are dedicated to providing our patients top-of-the-line solutions that meet their dental needs while keeping their smile stunning. For this reason, our premier dental facility uses tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities in your enamel. These advanced dental restorations are made from a material known as composite resin, which fills in cleaned-out cavities while blending with your natural teeth to match your gorgeous smile. Our highly skilled and board-certified dental health professionals in Conyers, GA are dedicated to treating you and your family with superior care with tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities.
Tooth-Colored Vs. Amalgam Fillings
For around one hundred years, fillings made with amalgam were the industry standard for dental fillings. Amalgam fillings (made from a combination of metals, such as silver, mercury, tin, and copper) were the only option available to treat a dental cavity and restore the tooth. Compared to modern, composite resin fillings, laughing, smiling, or talking with your mouth wide open makes these metal fillings easy to see. Although many individuals still have amalgam fillings, our board MINT doctors use composite resin fillings to save the structure of the tooth and match the natural color of your teeth for an enhanced smile.
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When Is a Composite Filling Needed?
Once a cavity has been sterilized, composite resin can be used to fill it. A versatile dental material, composite resin can also treat other problems, like cracks or build up enamel that has been worn down by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the material is shaded to blend with your enamel, tooth-colored fillings can be used on any area of your front and back teeth for a seamless appearance. If you're concerned about metal fillings, ask a member of the Conyers, GA MINT dentistry team about having them replaced with tooth-colored fillings.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
Our MINT dentistry professionals work to ensure getting a filling for a cavity is a simple procedure. To begin your appointment, a team member will help you relax in a massaging treatment chair, allowing you to decide on what you want to listen to during the treatment. We'll then numb the needed areas of your mouth with a local anesthetic so you won't feel any discomfort. Other forms of sedation can be discussed with your MINT team of dental professionals if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. When you're prepped and relaxed, the decayed area will be carefully removed with an advanced drill. After the affected enamel is eliminated and the surrounding enamel is cleaned, the cavity can be sealed with the composite material and set with a special light. Our dental team will polish the filling once it is set so it is smooth and matches your natural teeth.
Dental Filling Aftercare
Once your appointment is complete, the filling will be cured and you should be able to return to your regular diet and activities. It's common to have extra sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for a couple of days, but that should wear off soon. You may take nonprescription pain medication if you feel like you need it, but most patients have little to no discomfort. We recommend patients return after getting a filling for an adjustment to make sure their bite has not been altered. Bite complications are difficult to avoid because your mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia; however, it is easy to fix. Just call us. To keep your new tooth-colored filling clean, you should follow a home oral care routine that includes daily brushing and flossing. At your future exams, we will check your filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Fillings made with composite resin material typically look natural and last for a long time. To maintain your oral health, it's important to attend biannual dental cleanings with a board-certified MINT dentist in Conyers, GA.
The MINT Commitment
The cost of tooth-colored fillings is generally covered up to 100% by dental insurance. A member of our MINT dentistry team will speak to your insurance company to determine your exact coverage before calculating your personal cost. For patients without insurance, we can talk to you about the payments we accept, as well as medical financing options. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in Conyers, GA get a luminous and healthy smile, and we're dedicated to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with your dentist for more information on how your routine cleanings and treatments, like tooth-colored fillings, are priced under our exclusive MINT Discount Plan.
A Bright, Healthy Smile
Dental cavities might be a common issue, but MINT dentistry professionals can help treat them simply and effectively, which will assist in maintaining your gorgeous smile. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, tooth-colored fillings can stop tooth decay before bigger problems develop. Our experienced doctors and dental professionals will match the color of your natural teeth to give you an attractive, healthy smile. If you suspect you or a family member has a cavity, contact our MINT dentistry office in Conyers, GA to schedule an appointment.