Tooth-Colored Fillings
If a cavity eats away at your enamel, then protecting your teeth and choosing the right filling for you is our main priority. Tooth-colored fillings help stop further decay, restore the strength of your teeth, and blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile. If you want a natural-looking solution to cavities or to replace your amalgam filling, ask your dentist about tooth-colored fillings.
Our Primary Focus is Your Oral Health
When harmful oral bacteria is left unchecked, it can eat away at your enamel and lead to cavities. In 2015, the American Dental Association reported that over 27% of adults over 20 years old had untreated cavities. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, our dentists offer tooth-colored fillings made with a special resin to keep tooth decay at bay. These fillings are a natural-looking way to protect your teeth from decay, improve resistance to fracture, and restore confidence in your smile. Also, if you have a metal amalgam filling, we can remove it and replace it with a tooth-colored filling to give your smile a more natural look. Want to learn more about tooth-colored fillings? Contact us at one of our Dental Express in San Diego. We’re always available to answer any questions or to help you set up an appointment.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer sounds scary. When identified early and treated correctly, oral cancer can be managed and eliminated. It’s our job to educate our patients and make them feel comfortable and confident in their dental routines and procedures, so they leave our office knowing they are being cared for and in good hands.
Best Candidates
People with damaged teeth – whether from cavities, chips, or worn out enamel – who want their fillings to have a more natural look are the best candidates for tooth-colored fillings. This cosmetic procedure is a great option for people who have metal amalgam fillings as well.
The great thing about tooth-colored fillings is that they blend in with the rest of your teeth, so you can get one on any tooth without worrying about cosmetic drawbacks.
What to Expect
At Dental Express, we understand that treatments like these are unpleasant or scary for some patients, so we do our best to make your experience easy and comfortable. If you feel you need it, we offer several sedation methods to help you relax. We want you to feel safe and cared for during your treatment.
First, we numb the area with a local anesthetic. Whenever you’re ready, your dentist will start by removing the decayed enamel with a special drill. After removing the decayed tissue, your dentist will clean the area, fill the tooth with composite resin, and set it with a light. Once the filling is in place and secure, we’ll finish by polishing it, so it blends in with the rest of your teeth.
Follow-Up
If we found anything during the exam, our dentists will schedule a follow-up appointment and review your treatment options. Full transparency before, during, and after your exam is our focus. We may give you a lot of information and recommendations. Don’t hesitate to call our office, ask questions, and make sure you fully understand the best steps to maintaining a healthy, happy mouth.
In addition to your dental exam and follow-up appointment, you will still want to brush and floss every day, receive biannual cleanings, and schedule yearly dental exams. Optimal dental health starts at home.
Recovery
The recovery process for a tooth-colored filling is simple and straightforward. After your treatment, don’t worry about canceling any plans. You can go back to business as usual that same day, but your teeth may be sensitive when consuming hot and cold foods or drinks for a few days. If you have any discomfort, feel free to use anti-inflammatory medications to treat it. Aside from minor discomfort, you shouldn’t experience any major symptoms following your filling treatment.
Fillings are a helpful restorative measure to protect your tooth from further decay, but they don’t make your teeth invincible. The best way to keep your smile healthy in the future is by brushing and flossing daily and attending your regular dental cleanings. Your goal should be to have as few fillings as possible, and a strong at-home routine is the best way to protect your teeth from further decay.
While they’re built to last, fillings eventually need to be replaced. When you return for your annual dental examination, we’ll check your filling and determine if it should be replaced or repaired. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call. We’re here to make every step of your dental health journey as smooth as possible.
Insurance Coverage
Tooth-colored fillings are usually at least partially covered by dental insurance. Before and after your treatment, we’ll meet with you to discuss your coverage, personal costs, and how to maximize your benefits. Together, we’ll develop a plan to get your filling done with as little cost to you as possible. If you’re uninsured, we take many payment methods, and if necessary, we can offer you low-interest medical financing. We promise to do whatever we can to find the best option for you and your budget.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Remember, prevention is always the best way to approach tooth decay, but sometimes it can get out of hand. When it does become a problem, tooth-colored fillings are an excellent smile-restoring solution. At any of our San Diego practices, our team of all-star dentists is well-versed in correcting cavities with dental fillings. We make sure to match your tooth’s color so you can have a healthy, natural-looking smile. If you or your child has a cavity that needs filling, we’re available six days a week, and we always accept walk-ins and same-day appointments. Reach out to any of our six locations for more information or to set up an appointment. Let’s create your ideal smile together!
