Tooth-ColoredFillings
About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Like most patients, you're probably concerned about developing dental cavities, which are created when bacteria erodes the enamel. To treat the cavity, the bacteria must be cleaned out before the cavity is filled. In the past, dental cavities were treated with amalgam fillings, which was a mixture of different metals such as silver or mercury. Today, we know that amalgam fillings don't bond with the teeth well and that mercury could be dangerous to your health. MINT dentistry in Grapevine, TX is focused on giving our patients top-of-the-line solutions that improve their oral health and give them a sexy smile. This is why MINT dentistry provides tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. An advanced dental restoration, tooth-colored fillings are made with a material known as composite resin, which fill 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 Grapevine, TX are dedicated to providing you and your family with the highest-quality dental care using modern tooth-colored fillings for the age-old problem of cavities.
Tooth-Colored Vs. Amalgam
Dental amalgams are a metal-based compound that were used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay for over one hundred years in their patients. Amalgam fillings (made from a combination of metals including tin, silver, mercury, and copper) were the only available material to fill and restore a tooth that had a cavity. Compared to modern, composite resin fillings, when someone opens their mouth wide to laugh, smile, or talk, these silver fillings are easy to see. Although some people still have amalgam fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry 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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Tooth-colored fillings are often 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 composite resin is shaded to blend with your natural enamel, tooth-colored fillings are used on both the visible and back teeth for a seamless appearance. If you're concerned about metal fillings, ask your dentist about getting them removed and replaced with fillings made with composite resin.
What to Expect
Thanks to advanced medical technology, a tooth-colored filling at MINT dentistry is typically a simple procedure. Before beginning your procedure, a member of our team will help you settle into one of our luxurious, massage-style treatment chairs, then you can decide on the music that will play during your procedure. The areas surrounding the cavity will be then numbed using local anesthesia to minimize your discomfort. Other forms of sedation can be reviewed with one of our MINT doctors if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. When you're prepped and relaxed, the decayed enamel will be carefully removed with a technologically advanced dental drill. After the infected enamel is eliminated and the surrounding enamel is sanitized, the space can be sealed with composite resin and cured. Our dental team will then polish the material once it is set so it is smooth and matches your natural teeth.
Treatment Aftercare
You should be able to resume your normal diet once your appointment is over because the composite resin material used for the filling will be cured, leaving a tough surface. You might have some sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but this should resolve on its own. You can take non-prescription pain medication if necessary, but most patients typically report little, if any, discomfort. We strongly recommend patients return after getting a filling for an adjustment to ensure the bite is perfect. Complications with your bite are almost unavoidable since your mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia but are easily fixed. Just contact MINT. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean with a good routine at home that includes daily brushing and flossing. At your annual dental exam, your dentist will assess your tooth-colored filling and determine if it should be replaced or repaired. Fillings made with composite resin material generally look natural and last for a long time. To keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, it's important to schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations with our team of MINT dental professionals.
The MINT Commitment
Cavities are normally fixed with tooth-colored fillings, so they are usually coveredup to 100% by dental insurance. A member of our MINT dentistry team will speak to your insurance provider to determine your exact coverage before calculating your personal 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 believes that every patient deserves a luminous and healthy smile and we're dedicated to making it easy for everyone to fit dental care into their budget. Ask a member of our team to find out how we can make your dental experience more affordable with the MINT Discount Plan.
A Bright, Healthy Smile
Cavities can happen to anyone, so MINT dentistry performs treatments to help you maintain the appearance of your gorgeous smile. Using advanced technology and special techniques, small areas of tooth decay can be treated with tooth-colored fillings. Our skilled dental professionals will match the color of your natural teeth to give you an attractive smile and better oral health. If you suspect you or a family member has a cavity, contact MINT dentistry in Grapevine, TX to schedule an appointment.