Restore Decayed Teeth with Natural-looking Composite Fillings
Despite advanced dental care, dental cavities are still a menace. The CDC reports that about 20% of Americans aged 20 and above have had at least one cavity! The good news is that cavities are easily treatable, especially when detected early. A Dental and denture in Seattle, Washington, uses tooth-colored (composite) fillings to treat cavities and minor tooth damage. Book an appointment today for a cavity-free smile.
The procedure: What to expect
Treating your cavity with composite resin requires one appointment. To prepare your tooth for the filling, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and thoroughly clean the area to kill harmful bacteria. Superficial cavities don’t always need anesthesia, but your dentist will numb your gums for deep cavities or decay near a nerve.
After tooth preparation, we’ll apply composite resin over the damaged tooth one layer at a time with precise detail. Next, we’ll harden this material with a special light and reshape your tooth for a natural bite. The final step is to polish your filling for a glossy finish.
After treatment, we’ll give aftercare instructions to optimize your comfort. Generally, you should avoid chewing or drinking hot drinks for two hours until the anesthesia fades off. Eating or drinking during this time can put you at risk of burning or biting your soft tissues.
Benefits of composite fillings
Composite fillings are made from powdered glass and plastic. The material is carefully tinted to resemble the shade of the surrounding teeth. Once in place, composite fillings deliver a realistic outcome that’s virtually indistinguishable from other teeth.
Besides aesthetics, composite fillings have numerous other benefits. These include:
- Minimally invasive: Placing a white filling requires a minor portion of the tooth to be removed. This helps maintain the strength of the tooth to minimize future breakages.
- Safety: Metal fillings expand and contract as temperatures in the mouth change. Additionally, these fillings contain high mercury content that can potentially harm your body. Temperature variations don’t affect white fillings and don’t contain toxic substances.
- No tooth discoloration: Over time, metal filings change the natural color of teeth to greyish tint. White fillings don’t alter the color of your teeth.
- Longevity: Composite fillings can last 7-10 years with proper maintenance.
Are you looking for a cavity-free smile with safe and beautiful restorations? You are in the right place. A Dental & Denture in Seattle, WA, offers composite fillings to treat cavities while keeping your smile intact. Please call (206) 445-0030 to schedule an appointment with our dental team.