How Do We Create Natural Looking Fillings?
September 23, 2020
A dental filling is a way to treat a cavity and return a smile to a healthier and more functional state. However, that doesn’t mean we have to rely on a metal restoration. In fact, your Kansas City, MO, dentist often uses composite resin material that can blend with the rest of your smile. In today’s blog, we want to explain how we treat your smile with a filling, and in one visit!
The Benefits of Composite Resin
While metal is an effective way of treating tooth decay, there is a drawback. The material stands out against the rest of your tooth structure, providing no cosmetic benefits. In addition, due to the minor mercury content of amalgam fillings, they may not be safe for young patients, the elderly, or pregnant women. However, composite resin is completely metal-free, and safe for people of all ages. The material is a blend of both glass and acrylic, and can be tinted to blend with the color of surrounding tooth structure. We provide a safe, and lifelike, means of treating tooth decay, all in only one visit!
When to Undergo Treatment
If during a routine visit, we uncover warning signs of a cavity, then we may suggest one. But if in between office visits you notice one or more teeth feel sensitive, or ache frequently, then let us know right away. We will examine your smile and if we discover a cavity, we will provide a filling. We start by removing any and all decay before cleaning the tooth thoroughly. Next, we prepare and place the composite resin, molding the tooth as we cure the composite resin under a light. The final step involves polishing the tooth for a more natural appearance. In one visit, we offer a healthier smile with a lifelike restoration!
Tips for Staying Free of Cavities
But what should you do to avoid cavities completely? We suggest taking time each day to brush for two minutes when you wake up and again before bed, using a fluoride toothpaste each session. Before bed at night, make time to floss up and down each side of every tooth. Avoid consuming too many sugary foods and drinks, and also make time to see us for a cleaning, so we can remove all plaque and tartar from your smile. These actions help protect your smile from cavities, and also fight associated issues like bad breath and teeth stains!
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile with a dental restoration. To learn more about our solutions for minor and severe tooth decay, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.