Natural-Looking Solutions for Cavities at Mint Dental
Are you struggling with tooth decay or cavities? At Mint Dental, we provide composite fillings—a safe, durable, and natural-looking solution to restore your smile. These tooth-colored fillings seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, offering an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional silver or gold fillings.
Call our Pearl, MS, dental office today at (601) 882-5600 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Alexa Lampkin.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite resin fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a modern dental restoration designed to repair decayed teeth or other damage while preserving the natural tooth structure. Made from a blend of plastic and glass materials, these fillings bond tightly to your tooth, mimicking its natural color for a virtually invisible result.
Composite fillings are versatile and commonly used to:
- Restore tooth decay
- Repair chipped or cracked teeth
- Fill gaps between teeth (diastemas)
- Improve the overall appearance of your smile
Why Choose Composite Dental Fillings?
Composite fillings offer several advantages over traditional options like silver (amalgam) fillings:
- Natural Appearance: Matches the color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless smile.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Requires minimal removal of the damaged portion of the tooth, helping to maintain its strength.
- Durability: Designed to withstand moderate pressure from chewing, lasting up to a decade with proper care.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: Free from mercury and hypoallergenic, ideal for patients concerned about potential health risks associated with older filling materials.
- Versatility: Effective for both front teeth and back teeth, whether repairing cavities or fixing chips.
Who Qualifies for a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings are a suitable option for most patients with tooth decay or damage. However, some patients may not be good candidates for composite tooth fillings, including those with:
- Extensive Tooth Decay: If the decay is too extensive, a dental crown or other restoration may be necessary.
- Teeth Grinding: Patients who grind their teeth may not be good candidates for composite fillings, as the material may wear down more quickly.
- Large Cavities: Large cavities may require a more extensive restorative treatment, such as an inlay or onlay.
The Composite Dental Fillings Process
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Lampkin will evaluate your teeth to determine if a composite filling is the best solution for your dental needs. We’ll discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.
Design/Preparation
If you’ve been approved for composite dental fillings, we’ll design the composite filling to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, the decayed or damaged tooth material is removed. The tooth is then cleaned and prepared for the filling.
Filling Placement
The composite filling material will be applied to the tooth in layers. Each layer will be hardened with a special light, so it cures instantly. Once the filling is complete, we will shape and polish it to match the natural contours of your tooth.
Caring for Your Composite Filling
Caring for your composite dental filling is essential to ensure their longevity. Here are some tips from Dr. Lampkin to ensure your fillings stay strong:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the filling.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth, especially at night.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite fillings can last seven to 10 years with proper care, though this can vary depending on factors like diet and oral hygiene habits. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly to ensure your restoration lasts and have them replaced as needed.
Yes, composite fillings are a safe, mercury-free option approved by the American Dental Association and other public health agencies. They’re much less prone to causing problems than amalgam fillings, which can cause staining of surrounding teeth, galvanic shock, and allergic reactions.
While composite fillings resist staining, habits like smoking or drinking coffee can discolor them. Routine cleanings and touch-ups help maintain their appearance.
Most dental insurance plans cover composite fillings, particularly for cavities in visible areas. Contact your dentist or your insurance provider to confirm your benefits.
Choose Mint Dental for Composite Fillings
Restore your smile with the natural appearance and durability of composite resin fillings at Mint Dental. Our team is committed to helping patients in Pearl, MS, and surrounding areas achieve healthier, more confident smiles.
Call us at (601) 882-5600 or book your appointment online today. We proudly serve patients from Brandon, Richland, Jackson, and surrounding areas!