Don’t want silver fillings messing up your smile? Ask our cosmetic dentists in Grandville, MI, if you’re a candidate for white composite fillings.
We make white fillings from composite resin so they match the color of your natural tooth enamel. That way, we’re able to repair visible teeth without ruining your smile.
Contact us today if you have any additional questions about composite fillings. Our cosmetic dentists look forward to helping you achieve the best oral health!
Our dentists will recommend a composite filling if you have a cavity. We’re often able to detect cavities through X-rays. Yet, if a cavity is bad enough, we may be able to spot it during your initial oral examination. This is why it’s important to not skip preventive care appointments with our office.
The sooner we detect a cavity, the sooner we’ll be able to repair your tooth. If you wait, we may have to restore your tooth with a more invasive dental crown. Our dentists are able to remove much less tooth structure for a than a crown. Call our dental office today!
First, we’ll numb your tooth so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Next, we’ll remove the decayed tooth structure with a dental drill. The final step is for us to fill the hole with composite resin, restoring the look and function of your tooth. After the procedure, you can expect your new to look and feel natural.
You should be able to eat and drink after getting composite fillings. Many of our patients are also able to return to work or school after their appointments. The numbness from the local anesthetic should wear off after a few hours. Until then, chew carefully so you don’t bite your cheeks or lips by accident.
To care for your composite fillings, we ask that you maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque. Otherwise, you may end up getting a “secondary cavity.” A secondary cavity is a decay that forms around a filling or other restoration.
Dental fillings are materials used to restore teeth damaged by decay (cavities). You need a filling when a cavity has formed and needs to be cleaned out and sealed to prevent further decay.
The most common types are tooth-colored composite resin, amalgam (silver), gold, and porcelain. Composite resin is popular because it matches your natural tooth color and bonds well to the tooth structure.
Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years or longer. The lifespan depends on the size of the filling, your oral hygiene, and chewing habits.
We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. You may experience mild sensitivity for a few days after the anesthesia wears off, which is normal.
Signs include visible cracks or chips in the filling, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, or rough edges you can feel with your tongue. We’ll check your fillings during regular dental exams and recommend replacement when needed.
You can eat once the anesthesia wears off, but avoid hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. Composite fillings harden immediately, while amalgam fillings need a few hours to fully set.
Our cosmetic dentists in Grandville, MI, are accepting new patients! To request an appointment, call the Grandville Dental Health Center at (616) 739-6001.