Tooth-ColoredFillings
About Tooth-Colored Fillings in Atlanta, GA
Cavities are a common oral health concern and occur when bacteria create holes in the teeth. Once a cavity is discovered, it must be sanitized to remove the bacteria before it is sealed to prevent further damage. 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 these types of fillings don't bond well with enamel, not to mention the dangers of mercury fillings to your health. MINT dentistry in Atlanta, GA is committed to providing our patients top-of-the-line solutions that improve their oral health and give them a sexy smile. For this reason, our premier dental facility uses tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities in your enamel. An advanced dental restoration, tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin and fill in cleaned-out cavities while blending with your natural teeth to match your gorgeous smile. Our team of experienced, board-certified MINT dentists in Atlanta, GA are dedicated to giving you and your family superior care, including innovative treatments, like tooth-colored fillings for cavities.
Tooth-Colored Vs. Amalgam Fillings
For almost 150 years, dental professionals used a metal-based material called amalgam to fill in cavities caused by tooth decay. These amalgam fillings (made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper) were the only option available to fill the enamel after a cavity had been removed. Compared to modern, composite resin fillings, opening your mouth wide to yawn, laugh, or talk means these old, amalgam fillings are very noticeable. Although many individuals still have amalgam fillings, our team of experienced MINT dentistry professionals uses composite resin fillings to save tooth structure and match the natural color of your teeth.
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When Is a Composite Filling Needed?
After a cavity has been sanitized, it must be filled to prevent further tooth decay. Composite resin is a versatile material that can also treat other issues with the teeth, including cracks or strengthening worn-down enamel caused by teeth grinding. Since the composite resin is colored to blend with your teeth, tooth-colored fillings are used to treat both the visible and back teeth for a seamless appearance. If you're concerned about silver fillings, ask your Atlanta, GA dentist about having them replaced with tooth-colored fillings.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
Getting a filling for a cavity is usually an easy procedure at MINT dentistry. To begin your appointment, we'll help you relax in a massaging treatment chair, then you can decide on what music you want to listen to during the procedure. The treatment area(s) will then be numbed using local anesthesia to make sure you remain comfortable throughout the process. Stronger sedation options can be discussed with one of our MINT professionals to ensure optimal comfort if you have any fears or dental anxieties. Once you're prepped and relaxed, the enamel affected by the cavity will be carefully removed with a technologically advanced dental drill. After the affected enamel is eliminated and the surrounding enamel is sanitized, the space will be sealed with the composite material and hardened. We will polish the filling so it is smooth and matches your natural teeth.
Dental Filling Aftercare
Once the filling is cured during your appointment, you will be able to get back to your regular diet and activities. You might have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but this should resolve on its own. You may take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you need it, but many patients experience little discomfort. We highly recommend patients return for an adjustment after getting fillings to make sure their bite has not been altered. Complications with your bite are almost unavoidable because your mouth is numb; however, it is easy to fix. Just call our office. To keep your new tooth-colored filling clean, you should follow a home oral care routine that includes brushing and flossing every day. At your annual dental exam, we will check your tooth-colored filling and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Tooth-colored fillings generally look natural and last for a long time. To maintain your oral health, it's important to attend biannual dental cleanings with a board-certified MINT dentist in Atlanta, GA.
The MINT Commitment
The cost of your tooth-colored filling will likely be partially covered by your dental insurance plan. The financial team at MINT dentistry will contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and calculate your remaining cost. If you do not have insurance, we will talk to you about the payment methods we accept, as well as medical financing options. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in Atlanta, GA get sexy teeth, and we're committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with us about how your routine cleanings and treatments, like tooth-colored fillings, are priced under our exclusive MINT Discount Plan.
A Bright, Healthy Smile
MINT dentistry proudly helps patients with cavities keep their smiles healthy and dazzling. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, tooth-colored fillings can stop tooth decay before bigger problems develop. MINT dentistry's board-certified dentists will make sure your filling matches your natural enamel for a seamless smile and better oral health. If you have signs of a dental cavity, contact MINT dentistry in Atlanta, GA to schedule a consultation.