Tooth-colored fillings are considered a form of routine dental care, and they are safe and relatively non-invasive for patients. Learning more about the role tooth-colored fillings play in routine dental care can help you decide on treatment and calm any anxieties you may experience if you have an appointment scheduled for this procedure.
Although the best way to deal with cavities is through prevention, the fact is they can sometimes develop regardless. If this occurs, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid more serious concerns from developing. Most dentists offer routine dental care such as tooth-colored fillings to address dental cavities.
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, are dental restorations used to fill in holes in teeth that are caused by enamel erosion. They are primarily used for more visible teeth in the mouth since they are the same color as natural teeth. However, they are also durable enough for use on teeth further back in the mouth, although they may not offer the same level of durability as metal fillings. The bonding procedure is not invasive and only takes one dental visit to complete. The recovery process is typically easy and the patient should find relief from any initial discomfort within 24 hours.
Tooth-colored fillings are often recommended when there is minor tooth damage caused by dental decay to more visible teeth. As discussed, they offer cosmetic benefits and can fix unattractive teeth that have discoloration due to cavities, restoring the natural appearance and providing the patient with an ideal color shade. Some dentists also recommend tooth-colored filings for premolars and molars. This is often a more affordable option initially, but the composite resin material typically does not hold up as well long-term as metal fillings.
Tooth-colored fillings are appropriate for treating mild to moderate cavities. However, larger cavities may require other types of dental treatment. One common way of treating severe cavities is through root canal therapy. This involves removing infected parts of the tooth in the tooth root, cleaning the area and filling it with a material known as gutta-percha. On the other hand, dental cavities that are less severe are often treated with fluoride treatment, which can strengthen weakened enamel.
If you receive a tooth-colored filling, then you can protect it long-term by reducing the risk of dental injury by wearing a mouthguard. Patients should also practice good oral hygiene by using floss, mouthwash, and brushing several times every day, along with limiting the consumption of foods and drinks that may damage the gums and tooth enamel.
Routine dental care is often necessary for the prevention and treatment of minor to moderate oral health concerns. If you have any issues with oral health, mouth function, or the appearance of your smile, contact us today to arrange a consultation visit.
Request an appointment here: https://mgdental.com or call MG Dental at (718) 416-6444 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Brooklyn, NY.
Patients who have received braces for the first time may wonder how to implement routine dental care for teeth that are now covered by metal or ceramic brackets. Wires can get in the way of daily flossing, and it can be difficult to brush around the components of new braces. Use the following tips to…
As a provider of preventative dental care, we know how critical it is to stick with a routine dental care schedule. By visiting our family dentist office for preventative dental care, we can ensure that plaque and tartar are removed so your risk of developing cavities or an infection is reduced. A dental check-up also…
Dental cleaning visits with a general dentist are one of the most important parts of maintaining good oral health. However, many are surprised to learn that overall health also benefits from these quick and simple dental cleaning appointments. When considering whether or not a dental cleaning is worth the time spent in the office chair,…
Everyone wants strong and healthy teeth, but not everybody wants to book dental appointments regularly. Studies have shown that aside from excellent oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist for dental cleaning are vital for healthy and beautiful teeth. In this article, we will focus on five reasons to go for regular dental visits. Mouth…
Invisalign is a popular teeth straightening treatment option that many general dentists offer. It is the preferred choice because the treatment process is known to be simple, discreet and less involved than that of braces. However, with that, it is also important to note that braces and Invisalign tend to target different problems. Want to learn…
An extraction is usually recommended as a last resort when a tooth is too damaged to be saved. The two main types of extractions performed by dentists are simple and surgical extractions. A simple extraction is performed when enough of the tooth is left above the gumline to pull it out with forceps. A surgical…