Tooth-Colored Fillings – Friendswood, TX
Treating Cavities Without Drawing Attention To Them
In the past, treating a cavity meant filling it with a noticeable metal substance that stood out like a sore thumb whenever you laughed or spoke. Today, Dr. James Sierra provides patients with a better option that is practically unnoticeable, called tooth-colored fillings in our Friendswood, TX dental office. Using biocompatible materials, Dr. Sierra is able to restore your oral health while also preserving the beautiful appearance of your grin. That way, you won’t have to panic the next time your dentist in Friendswood lets you know that you have a cavity.
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Throughout the 20th century, amalgam fillings were the primary treatment used to keep cavities from spreading. The compound placed in your damaged tooth was made of a variety of metals, including mercury, tin, silver, and copper. Unfortunately, this meant that everyone knew when you had a cavity because they could see that you had a tooth filled.
Today, dental professionals use a safer and more discreet solution made from a biocompatible composite resin that consists of finely ground particles of glass and acrylic. To stop a cavity from spreading, Dr. Sierra cleans it out and fills it with this putty-like material. He then cures it using a UV light, providing tightly sealed protection for years to come.
What are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
The most notable advantage of receiving a tooth-colored filling in Friendswood is that it flawlessly incorporates with the rest of your smile without highlighting your damaged tooth. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy attractive and virtually invisible results. They also offer advantages such as:
- Preserving more of your natural tooth structure. Amalgam fillings don’t easily bond with natural teeth, which means that dentists have to remove more of your tooth’s structure in order to securely place them. Because composite resin chemically bonds with your teeth, less preparation of your natural tooth is required.
- Less sensitivity caused by hot and cold foods and beverages. Composite resin offers a more secure seal due to the fact that it chemically bonds with your tooth. That makes it more effective at blocking off the sensitive nerves inside your tooth.
- Better protection against decay. With a stronger bond, the sensitive inner portion of your tooth won’t be accessible to harmful oral bacteria.
How can You Make Your Tooth-Colored Fillings Last Longer?
With the proper care, your filling can last for 15 years or longer. The best way to extend the lifespan of your filling is to continue keeping up with your oral hygiene routine by brushing twice each day and flossing at least once daily. Be sure to also remember to schedule your checkup and cleaning with Dr. Sierra every six months. That way, we can replace it if necessary. Some other ways you can maintain your filling and protect your tooth are to:
If your tooth feels sensitive, that could mean that your filling is damaged or has fallen out. If this happens, contact our dental office immediately so we can replace it and prevent any additional damage from occurring.