Repair Your Teeth and Restore Oral Health with Tooth-colored Fillings
When you have a cavity, the dentist will recommend a dental filling to halt the damage and restore the function and form of your tooth. Stein Family Dentistry doesn’t just use any filling to repair your tooth. Dr. Andy Stein uses composite fillings for aesthetics, safety, and durability.
Do you need a dental filling in Spokane, Washington? Please schedule an appointment today with our office for affordable and durable fillings.
How are dental fillings placed?
Placing dental fillings is a painless and quick procedure. Your treatment starts with a consultation. The dentist inspects your tooth with dental X-rays to determine that only a filling is needed. This step is crucial because what appears to be a minor cavity visible on the surface can extend deeper into the tooth’s structure. Think of the cavity as the “tip of the iceberg.” While the visible portion might seem small, there could be significant underlying decay or damage beneath the surface.
If only a filling is needed, the dentist will gently remove the decayed/damaged portions of the tooth after numbing your gums with local anesthetics. Next, we’ll clean the area to remove all harmful bacteria. The dentist will then fill the cavity with composite resin, using a shade that matches your tooth. Next, the doctor will reshape the tooth filling before hardening it with a special curing light.
After adjusting the filling to ensure your bite feels normal, the dentist polishes your tooth for a natural finish. That’s it! Now, you can show the world your beautiful, cavity-free smile and eat your favorite foods without pain or sensitivity.
What are the benefits of composite fillings?
Composite fillings are created from plastic resin and finely grounded glass. Unlike amalgam fillings, there are no metals and toxic substances like mercury. Composite fillings are the modern “gold standard” for treating decay and minor damage, and it’s easy to see why.
Here are the benefits of composite fillings.
- Aesthetic appeal: Composite fillings are shaded like natural teeth to integrate seamlessly with the entire smile. Once placed, no one will notice any signs of repair.
- Conservative treatment: Placing white fillings requires removing a small portion of the decayed/damaged tooth. Instead of weakening your tooth, the composite filling bonds to the original structure, reinforcing your tooth.
- Durability: Composite fillings are resilient enough to endure everyday grinding and chewing forces. Tooth-colored fillings can last 5-8 years or more, although you must practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist bi-annually for check-ups and professional teeth cleanings.
- Safety: Composite fillings are made from safe, biocompatible materials. They don’t harm your oral and overall health and don’t cause inflammation, itching, or other adverse reactions.
- Versatility: Composite fillings have several uses in dentistry. They can repair decay, chips, and cracks. The dentist can also use them to disguise stains and fill black triangles after gum recession.
Do you need to secure your smile with fillings?
Composite fillings repair tooth damage and prevent the need for costly and invasive restorative treatments. Stein Family Dentistry can restore your teeth with fillings that look and feel natural—call (509) 463-1770 to reserve an appointment.
