Tooth-ColoredFillings
About Tooth-Colored Fillings in Norcross, GA
When bacteria erode the enamel of your tooth, it causes cavities, one of the most common dental problems. To treat the cavity, the bacteria must be cleaned out before the cavity is filled. Previously, cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was made with different combinations of metals, including silver, gold, and mercury. Now, dentists understand that amalgam fillings don't bond with the teeth well and that mercury could be dangerous to your health. MINT dentistry in Norcross, GA is focused on providing our patients state-of-the-art treatments that meet their dental needs while keeping their smile stunning. This is why our premier dental facility provides tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. An advanced dental restoration, tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin and fill in cleaned-out cavities once it is tinted to match your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. The experienced, board-certified MINT dentists in Norcross, GA are dedicated to treating your entire family with the highest quality dental care with advanced treatments, like tooth-colored fillings for cavities.
Tooth-Colored Vs. Amalgam Fillings
For more than 150 years, fillings were made with the metal-based compound amalgam. It was used to fill cavities and assist with tooth decay. Amalgam fillings (made from a combination of metals, including mercury, copper, silver, and tin) were the only option available to fill and restore a tooth that had a cavity. Unlike composite fillings, laughing, smiling, or talking with your mouth wide open makes these old, amalgam fillings very noticeable. While many individuals still have silver fillings, our MINT doctors use composite resin fillings to restore your dental health for a seamless, beautiful smile.
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When Is a Composite Filling Needed?
After the cavity has been cleaned, composite resin fillings are used to fill them. A versatile dental material, composite resin can also treat other issues with the teeth, like cracks or building up enamel that has been worn down by grinding your teeth. Since the composite resin is colored to blend with your teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be used to treat any tooth for an attractive, seamless smile. If you have metal fillings, speak with your Norcross, GA dentist about getting them replaced with fillings made with composite resin.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
Treating a cavity with a tooth-colored filling is an easy procedure at MINT dentistry because we are equipped with cutting-edge technology. To begin your appointment, a team member will help you relax in a massaging treatment chair, allowing you to decide on what music you want to listen to during the procedure. We'll then numb the needed areas of your mouth using local anesthesia so you won't feel any discomfort. Stronger sedation options can be reviewed with your dentist to keep you comfortable and relaxed if you have any anxieties or fears about your treatment. When you are prepped and relaxed, the enamel affected by the cavity will be very gently removed with an advanced drill. After the infected enamel is removed and the surrounding enamel is cleaned, the space will be filled with the composite material and cured. Your dentist will polish the filling once it is set so it feels smooth.
Dental Filling Aftercare
Once we’ve filled the cavity and your appointment is over, you should be able to resume eating whatever you want because your filling will be completely set. It's common to have extra sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a couple of days, but this should resolve on its own. You can take nonprescription pain medication if you need it, but patients feel little to no discomfort. We recommend you return after getting a filling for an adjustment to ensure the bite is perfect. Bite complications are difficult to avoid since your mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia; however, it is easy to fix. Just contact MINT. To keep your new tooth-colored filling clean, you should follow a good routine at home, including daily brushing and flossing. During your annual dental exam, your dentist will inspect your tooth-colored filling and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Tooth-colored fillings generally last for a very long time and look natural. To make sure your teeth remain healthy, it is important to schedule biannual dental cleanings at our practice in Norcross, GA.
The MINT Commitment
Tooth-colored fillings are normally covered in part by your dental insurance as a common treatment for cavities. The financial team at MINT dentistry will speak to your insurance provider to check how much your insurance will cover and then calculate your out-of-pocket cost. For patients without insurance, the MINT dentistry support staff will talk to you about the payments accepted by our practice during your consultation, as well as medical financing options. MINT dentistry wants to make sure every patient in Norcross, GA has a luminous and healthy smile, and we're committed to making it easy for everyone to fit dental care into their budget. Speak with a member of our team to find out how your routine cleanings and treatments, like tooth-colored fillings, are priced under our exclusive MINT Discount Plan.
A Bright, Healthy Smile
At MINT, we’ve treated a lot of dental cavities, but we are able to treat them in a simple and effective manner that enables you to keep the appearance of your sexy smile. Using advanced technologies and special techniques, a tooth-colored filling can quickly and easily treat a small area of tooth decay. MINT dentistry's board-certified dentists 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 have a cavity in your enamel, contact our MINT dentistry office in Norcross, GA to schedule an appointment for an exam and consultation.