In the past, dentists relied exclusively on amalgam to treat tooth decay. Amalgam works just fine, but it is silver and can detract from your smile, especially the front teeth.
Today, we use tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities. It’s a way to care for the tooth without covering it in silver.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin material and can be color-matched to blend with your unrestored teeth. Additionally, tooth-colored fillings, unlike amalgam, do not contain mercury. Studies have concluded that the mercury in amalgam fillings is safe, but some patients feel more at ease when their restorations are mercury-free.
Reasons to Consider Tooth-Colored Fillings in Elk Grove or Lodi
- Tooth-colored fillings are aesthetically pleasing and conceal that you’ve had a cavity.
- Tooth-colored fillings are mercury-free for your peace of mind.
- Tooth-colored fillings do not expand or contract when hot or cold, unlike amalgam.
- Typically, your dentist removes less healthy tooth material with tooth-colored fillings compared with amalgam.
- Tooth-colored fillings are durable.
Some patients choose to remove old amalgam fillings in favor of our tooth-colored option. Ask the dentist if this is an option for you.
How We Apply Tooth-Colored Fillings
First, your Lodi or Elk Grove dentist diagnoses the cavity. Then, we arrange treatment.
On treatment day, your dentist gently removes the decay from your tooth using local anesthesia. If you feel nervous, we offer stronger sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and more.
After your dentist clears the decay, we apply the composite resin in layers, curing it all the while with a special dental light. When the tooth is thoroughly filled, we finish with a polish.
How to Lower My Tooth Decay Risks
To lower your tooth decay risks, consider the following:
- Visit the dentist every six months for dental checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Brush and floss your teeth after meals, at least twice daily, once for brushing and once for flossing.
- Report oral health changes, including tooth pain, brown spots, and sensitivity, to your dentist as soon as you notice them.
- Talk to your dentist if you suspect bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding).
- Lower your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
Remember, you cannot always see cavities by looking in the mirror. They are often between teeth, in the back, or behind your molars.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses the same composite resin found in tooth-colored fillings. Your dentist can use the malleable composite material to fill chips in your teeth, hide cracks, fix small gaps, cover stains, and conceal general imperfections.
After your dentist buffs and conceals your tooth flaws, we set the resin with a special dental light.
Dental bonding is an excellent example of affordable cosmetic dentistry in Elk Grove and Lodi.
Examples of Other Cosmetic Restorations
Restoring your teeth can mean many things, and there are different ways to achieve aesthetic results. Other examples of cosmetic restorations include:
- Dental Veneers—Thin shells of porcelain cemented to the front-facing teeth, color-matched to meet your goals. Veneers hide everything from short teeth to mild misalignment and gummy smiles
- Dental Crowns—Customized, tooth-shaped covers that fit over damaged or cosmetically flawed teeth
Your dentist can help you choose the best restoration to protect your tooth and satisfy your smile goals.
Are You Looking for Restorative or Cosmetic Dentistry in Elk Grove or Lodi?
Contact a team member today to learn more about our dental treatments and services or to schedule an assessment with the dentist.
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