- Natural-Looking Cavity Repair
- Enjoy the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Am I a Candidate?
- Procedure Overview
- Preventing Cavities
Natural-Looking Cavity Repair
If you develop a small cavity, one of the best ways to fix it is with a filling. Tooth-colored fillings offer a fantastic, aesthetically pleasing alternative to old, gray, metal fillings. Rather than using amalgam, tooth-colored fillings are actually made of a strong and pliable composite resin. This material can be perfectly color-matched to the rest of your smile so that it is practically invisible. Plus, they require much less of your tooth to be removed while being placed, meaning more of its natural strength can be preserved.
Ready to replace your old metal fillings? Have a cavity that needs attention? Tooth-colored fillings can help, so be sure to contact our Houston office today for an appointment.
Enjoy the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings offer patients a variety of benefits, including:
Smile appearance: Fillings can be made of many different materials, such as gold or silver amalgam. However, these choices are highly visible and can even cast off an unflattering hue on the surrounding tooth surface. In today’s world, where there is such a strong focus on aesthetics, tooth-colored fillings can greatly benefit patients. The material can be matched closely to the color of the neighboring teeth, which is ideal for those who want to maintain a perfectly white smile with a seamless finish.
Strong: Tooth-colored fillings are bonded to the tooth, which provides additional support. These fillings can treat front and back teeth and are durable enough to withstand the pressure from chewing.
Improved oral health: Fillings are designed to reinforce a tooth that has been weakened from decay and other damage. In many cases, tooth-colored fillings require less removal of the natural tooth when compared to other materials. Having more of the original tooth structure results in a stronger tooth overall, which can help improve oral health.
Am I a Candidate?
If you have cavities or suffer from tooth damage, you may be eligible for tooth-colored fillings. These restorations take slightly longer to complete than other materials, but many patients value the benefit of inconspicuous dental restoration results.
Procedure Overview
If it is determined that tooth-colored fillings are right for you, Dr. Krell will begin your procedure by numbing your teeth and gums. The tooth will be drilled so that all of the decay and damage can be removed. The cavity will be filled with the composite material, which is then cured.
Preventing Cavities
Fillings are an excellent method for restoring a tooth damaged by decay, but preventing cavities from occurring in the first place is best. To maintain your oral health, consider incorporating the following tips into your routine:
Remove plaque thoroughly: Keeping your mouth healthy starts with daily and thorough plaque removal through brushing and flossing. Ensure that you are employing the correct brushing techniques, such as angling the toothbrush correctly and using sweeping motions. Since the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach all areas, make sure to floss so that all food residue can be removed.
Use products with fluoride: Fluoride helps prevent dental decay by reinforcing the tooth’s enamel. This also makes the tooth more resistant to acid, which can lead to damage. Fluoride can be found in many different dental products, including easily accessible toothpaste and mouth rinses. You can also opt for fluoride treatments in the office during your appointment with Dr. Krell.
Visit the dentist: Even with a good dental hygiene routine, you still need to visit the dentist for professional cleanings. Missed plaque can harden into a substance known as tartar if it is not removed completely, which can put you at risk of periodontal disease. During appointments, Dr. Krell can take X-rays, evaluate your teeth and gums, and identify any dental issues in their early stages.
If you have recently received a filling, utilizing the tips above can help you get your oral health back on track.
Contact our friendly and professional staff today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Krell.