Natural Looking Fillings for Damaged Teeth
The immense pain that a cavity can cause is somewhat shocking, and it’s always wonderful to know that your dentist can help. Few of us are delighted by the idea of receiving dental fillings, but modern technologies make them a painless, fast, and reliable long-term solution. Maniscalco Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Birmingham, AL provides general dentistry, including dental fillings and other solutions to your common dental problems.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, are used to resolve your cavities and prevent further damage. They’re a way of dealing with tooth decay that leaves the tooth looking completely natural and functional just as it did before the cavity caused disruptions.
Though many of our patients have old-fashioned, metal fillings, also called amalgam fillings, the dental filling we offer improves treatment in several ways. Not only can our natural, tooth-colored fillings mask the fact that you had a cavity, but the use of these fillings maintains the strength and health of the tooth to a much higher degree.
When Do I Need Fillings?
If you’re feeling pain or sensitivity when you eat or drink something cold or hot, you may need fillings. When you delay seeing your dentist, you’re at risk of cavities turning into tooth decay, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. If you believe you need fillings, don’t hesitate to call our Birmingham office at (205) 967-9100 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Maniscalco.
The Tooth Filling Process
Dental fillings are used to effectively stop the progression of decay inside or on the surface of a tooth. This means removing the decaying material before applying the filling to restore the tooth. Teeth are always treated before a filling is placed, providing a long-term solution to decay. With tooth-colored fillings, your restoration will need only a brief period of time to cure before you leave our office with a beautifully repaired smile.
With older metal fillings, much more of the tooth has to be removed to allow for the material to bond with the original tooth structure. This weakens the tooth and puts it at risk due to the metal materials compressing or expanding.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of much stronger, harder materials that don’t require as much of the tooth to be removed. The composite material used is made to match the color of your teeth so they won’t be noticeable to others. Additionally, the bonding process enhances the strength and stability of the tooth, protecting it from future damage.
When teeth have extensive decay deeper in the pulp or roots, fillings may not suffice for repairs. In these cases, a standard root canal treatment may be required. This is something that Dr. Maniscalco will determine with an examination and X-rays. Root canal therapy is also a painless and fast remedy but is typically finished with a dental crown instead of a filling.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings offer several advantages when compared to metal fillings. Benefits of tooth-colored fillings include:
- Natural appearance
- Long-lasting
- Tooth-preserving
- Strengthens teeth
- Enhances confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the filling procedure is painless! Our office uses a local anesthetic to numb the teeth and gums before treatment proceeds. During the process, our team will make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed.
Your filling will last for up to 15 years with regular dental checkups. If your restoration fails, you can have it repaired easily at our Birmingham practice.