Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth decay is the underlying cause of all dental cavities and is the most common dental problem in the U.S. today. Nation-wide studies show that over 90 percent of people will deal with at least one cavity during their lives. But a more concerning statistic is that one in four currently has an untreated cavity. At Dental Health of Maplewood, our team wants to solve any dental cavity without delay because our treatment options as straightforward, practical, and attractive.
If you have a dental cavity, you're probably also aware that the best treatment is a dental filling. However, dentistry of the past had little choice but to use metallic silver material to fill cavities. But today, we can offer composite resin fillings that are tooth-colored to keep your smile natural and youthful.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings over Silver Amalgam
Tooth-colored fillings are made from silicon dioxide and tooth-colored plastic mixture. These composite resins can restore your teeth from the problems of plaque and tooth decay and hold several advantages over traditional silver, or amalgam, fillings.
- Better tooth support – Composite fillings better bond your tooth structure, deterring breakage and insulating against temperature changes.
- Prevent tooth darkening – When you first receive an amalgam filling, the only evidence may be a silver spot that, while unsightly, isn't too objectionable. But as you age, the entire filling may become visible through your tooth enamel, dimming your smile from within. Because composite resins are not metal, we can blend and mix shades to find the perfect color to match your natural teeth.
- More preservation – Composite resins also allow us to keep more of your natural tooth structure intact than amalgams. We believe in conservative dentistry – the more natural tooth structure you save, the better teeth you'll likely have in the future.
How We Place a Tooth-Colored Filling
To place a composite filling, a team member will ensure you're comfortable and ensure we have addressed each of your questions. Then, we will thoroughly numb your tooth and use precision instruments to remove tooth decay and etch the cavity edges so that your filling will better bond with your tooth.
Then, we build your filling in layers for added strength and then shape it to match your teeth so that the material disappears into your tooth surface. Finally, we finish the process by polishing your filling to a glassy smoothness.
Dental Cavities in Oakdale, MN Are Preventable
While the Dental Health at Maplewood team can fill your cavity with high-quality and durable materials, we still want you to know that it's preferable to avoid tooth decay and costly treatments through a few simple, preventive steps.
- Maintain a solid at-home routine; brush twice a day and floss once.
- Ensure you brush, floss, and rinse thoroughly, especially before bed.
- Eat a lower-sugar, whole foods diet.
- Enjoy sugary, carbonated beverages in moderation and always rinse with water after consuming soda or juice.
- Drink lots of water, especially if you frequently snack between meals.
- Visit our St. Paul dental office twice a year to catch cavities early.
While great for your dental health, these measures are also beneficial for your overall well-being. Remember, good oral health will positively impact how your body functions as a whole.
Composite Fillings Treat Cavities in Maplewood, MN
At Dental Health of Maplewood, we want to be your one-stop-shop for all dental care you and your family may need. If you may have an untreated dental cavity, we encourage you to call our office to schedule an appointment to take advantage of our attractive and effective tooth-colored composite resin fillings and other preventive dental treatments.
