Tooth Decay
While no one likes to hear they have a cavity, it happens. The best way to handle tooth decay is to seek treatment before the problem progressively gets worse and more invasive treatments are necessary to restore your tooth. Luckily, we offer beautiful composite resin fillings at our Seattle office.
Fillings That Nobody Will Notice
With composite resin fillings, you don’t have to worry about people knowing you had cavities. While old amalgam fillings are obvious and can make your smile look mismatched, the composite is matched to the color of your teeth.
Benefits of Composite Resin Fillings
In addition to blending in with your smile seamlessly, composite fillings are durable and won’t fracture. That means you can eat all of your favorite foods without worrying about endangering your tooth.
With proper care, your tooth-colored fillings will last for about 10 to 15 years. With normal wear and tear, they’ll need to be replaced with new composite fillings.
The Cavity Treatment Process
The first step to getting a cavity treated at your appointment is for Dr. Cederbaum to administer a local anesthetic. The anesthetic will numb the area so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
If you’re anxious or feel uncomfortable, she’s also fully qualified to provide sedation dentistry. Sedation can help you feel more relaxed and further reduce the sensations you feel during a procedure.
Once the anesthetic and sedation kick in, Dr. Cederbaum can begin to clean the cavity and affected areas of the tooth. Once all the decay has been removed, she can fill in the empty space with the natural-looking resin and your teeth will look as good as new.
Treatment for Larger Fillings
If you leave your cavity without treatment for a while, your entire tooth may be threatened. Protecting the tooth at this point can mean using an onlay, inlay, amalgam filling, or a crown.
Onlays and inlays are made of ceramic, a strong and attractive-looking material that’s often used to make veneers and dental crowns. These treatments are used when the decay is extensive and the tooth requires more support.
Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of metals and other materials, including mercury. Many patients are apprehensive about using amalgam fillings and they aren’t very attractive, so Dr. Cederbaum may elect to use a dental crown instead.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Look Better
Having a cavity doesn’t need to mean permanent disfigurement of your tooth. Dr. Cederbaum can make your tooth look as if no decay ever touched it in the first place.
To learn more about our composite resin fillings, feel free to call us at (206) 524-1314. You can also fill out the contact form available on this page and we’ll get back to you quickly.
FAQs About Fillings
What are tooth-colored fillings made of?
Tooth-colored fillings are made of three components, including plastic, silica, and glass. Together, these materials form a composite resin that’s customized to match the color of your natural teeth to seamlessly blend in with your smile.
Are tooth-colored fillings better than silver amalgam fillings?
Both silver amalgam fillings and tooth-colored fillings are effective in treating cavities and providing durable, long-lasting results. However, tooth-colored composite fillings are a more attractive, natural-looking option for preserving your tooth. Best of all, they save as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, unlike traditional silver fillings.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
Tooth-colored composite fillings are designed to last anywhere from seven to 10 years, or possibly even longer with good oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day and flossing daily, along with scheduling regular check-ups and dental cleanings with Dr. Cederbaum. By doing so, you’ll maintain healthy teeth and gums to last a lifetime
How can I prevent cavities?
Focusing on your oral health routine is of the utmost importance. Not only will it rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that eventually lead to cavities, but it will also form healthy habits that improve the longevity of your smile. A good oral health routine consists of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals.
Other ways you can prevent cavities include:
- Use oral care products that contain fluoride
- Avoid frequent snacking
- Avoid acidic and sugary foods
- Consider dental sealants, for children
- Eat tooth-healthy foods
In addition to the above tips, you’ll want to visit our Seattle dental office for biannual checkups and professional cleanings. During these visits, we’ll remove any plaque and tartar to leave your smile healthy and feeling good.