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Repairing Your Tooth With Confidence
As you've likely gathered, tooth decay is common across the United States. If you have a cavity, it's okay, we can help. You'll also be glad to know that our fillings aren't made with metal like gold or amalgam. Instead, we use a composite resin that's shaded to match the color of your smile. Once polished, our white fillings blend seamlessly with your tooth, so other people won't be able to tell you ever had a cavity.
If you had a cavity years ago, you may have an older filling showing signs of wear and tear. If it's time to replace that worn-out filling, a composite resin filling could be the perfect replacement option, offering the same protection as metal fillings without becoming a distraction when you speak or smile.
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Why Choose Composite Fillings
More patients are choosing composite fillings over traditional metal options, and for good reason. Here's what makes them a smart choice:
- Natural appearance: Composite resin is shade-matched to your natural tooth color, so your filling blends in rather than standing out when you speak or smile.
- No metal materials: Unlike gold or amalgam fillings, composite resin contains no metal, appealing to patients who prefer a metal-free approach to restorative care.
- Conservative treatment: Composite fillings typically require removing less healthy tooth structure than some metal filling options.
- Reliable protection: Composite resin offers the same protective function as metal fillings, stopping decay and restoring the tooth's strength.
- Quick, comfortable procedure: Most fillings can be completed in a single visit, with minimal discomfort during and after treatment.
Are You a Candidate for Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are appropriate for most patients with small to moderate cavities, as well as those looking to replace older, worn metal fillings. If you have a cavity that hasn't progressed to the point of needing a crown or root canal, a composite filling is likely a straightforward and effective solution. During your exam, our dentist will assess the size and location of the decay to confirm that a composite filling is the right fit for your specific case.
Your Composite Filling Visit, Step by Step
Getting a composite filling is a straightforward process designed to get you in and out comfortably. Here's what to expect:
Numbing the Area
We apply a local anesthetic to ensure the treatment area is completely numb before beginning.
Removing Decay
Our dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
Preparing the Tooth
The tooth is cleaned and prepared to help the composite resin bond securely.
Curing the Filling
A special curing light hardens each layer of resin, bonding it firmly to your tooth.
Polishing and Bite Check
Our dentist polishes the filling for a smooth finish and checks your bite to ensure everything feels natural.
Replacing Old Metal Fillings
Many patients come to us looking to replace old, worn amalgam or gold fillings that have darkened or cracked over time. Removing an aging metal filling and replacing it with a composite resin not only refreshes the appearance of your smile but can also address any decay that's developed around the edges of an older filling. This is a common and straightforward procedure for patients seeking a more natural-looking, metal-free smile.
Caring for Your Filling Long Term
A composite filling can last for years, but its lifespan depends largely on how well you care for it. Avoid habits like chewing on ice or hard candy, which can chip or crack the filling over time, and continue brushing and flossing consistently to prevent new decay from forming around the edges. We'll also check the condition of your fillings at your routine cleanings and exams, catching any wear or damage early before it becomes a bigger issue.
Mend Your Tooth and Preserve Your Smile
Tooth decay can turn into much bigger problems if left untreated. A cavity can lead to infection, which may require a root canal or, in more serious cases, a tooth extraction. While we're equipped to handle either situation, addressing the problem early is always the better option. By getting composite fillings in Salem, OR, you can save time, trouble, and your smile.
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