No matter how well you care for your teeth, we are all vulnerable to tooth decay and injury. Cavities are caused by eating too much sugar, or by not brushing and flossing thoroughly every single day. Damage occurs from injury or excessive force or impact -- especially common in people who play contact sports.
In the past, dentists treated decay with amalgam fillings, which are made of a combination of metals. Today, there is a better alternative with tooth-colored, or white, fillings. It is a solution that can be used for filling cavities as well as repairing minor damage. Preston Bend Dental provides tooth-colored fillings for Plano, TX and beyond.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin, or a mixture of smooth glass and plastic particles. This durable material can be shaded to blend beautifully with the rest of your tooth enamel.
The composite resin can be used to fill the hole left by tooth decay (the cavity), or to repair minor dental damage. We call the latter cosmetic bonding, and it provides an affordable alternative to most expensive cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers.
Cosmetic bonding can repair chips, cracks, cover up stains and discoloration, and improve the appearance of a misshapen, short, or stubby tooth. When the treatment is used to close minor gaps, it can even eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment.
Tooth-colored fillings and cosmetic bonding are completed in just one visit to Preston Bend Dental. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, the material dries within minutes under a special UV light. That means you can come in, have your tooth repaired, and go out to lunch right after.
In addition to blending with your surrounding tooth enamel, white fillings are also more supportive of the tooth’s natural structure. They allow Dr. Madhav to leave more of your smile in place -- and more conservative dentistry is always a good thing.
Many patients are also increasingly concerned about the potential for mercury exposure with amalgam fillings. While the material has been approved by the FDA for use in dentistry, these patients appreciate that tooth-colored fillings offer a metal-free, biocompatible alternative for restorative dental care.
In addition to filling new cavities and repairing minor flaws, tooth-colored fillings can also replace your old gray dental work. Silver fillings expand and contract when exposed to heat and cold, meaning they are more likely to break or damage surrounding tooth enamel as time goes on. Unfortunately, their dark appearance may make it difficult for your dentist to spot damage, even on an x-ray. Filling replacement can prevent future problems and also improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Do you need to have one or more cavities treated with tooth-colored fillings? Or would you like to discuss the need for filling replacement? Get in touch with our dental office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Madhav, the expert you’re looking for when you search “dentist near me in Plano!” Book your visit online today.
