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We offer preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatments to keep your mouth healthy and beautiful. A common treatment our patients occasionally require is composite dental fillings, which are necessary when the enamel of a tooth becomes demineralized by bacteria, which then infiltrate the tooth and cause a cavity.
When this happens to you do not hesitate to reach out to us as our Fort Wayne dentist has the expertise to repair your tooth with the strongest, most natural-looking restorations available. Our treatments are gentle and minimally invasive, so you will be comfortable during the entire process.
If you need a dental cleaning, exam, or fillings call our Fort Wayne dental office today at (260) 432-0561 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.
How Cavities Occur
The best way to prevent cavities is by keeping your six-month dental check-ups and practicing diligent daily home care, i.e., brushing and flossing. However, 99% of people will experience some tooth decay in their lifetime because cavities can occur even when preventive habits are near perfect. This doesn’t mean you should stop brushing! Brushing and flossing will help you avoid many cavities and other issues, such as halitosis and gum disease.
With daily brushing and flossing, you can remove plaque and bacteria from most surfaces of your teeth, but all mouths have crevasses and tight spots where the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach. If plaque remains on the teeth for 48 hours, it can calcify into tartar, which is insoluble and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Since bacteria love to feed on tartar, areas with unremoved tartar are especially prone to demineralization, and eventually, become cavities.
Our goal is to prevent cavities by removing tartar during dental cleanings and strengthening teeth’s resistance to bacteria via fluoride preparations and sealants.
But even with extensive preventive care, tooth decay can still occur. If it happens to you, composite fillings can restore your teeth to full health and comfort, while allowing you to keep your naturally white smile.
Composite Fillings
In the past, cavities were filled with silver amalgam or gold. These fillings were (and continue to be) effective at restoring the function of a tooth, but they do not bond well to enamel and dentin and may expand over time. In some cases, the changing shape can lead to leaking, or cracking, and further decay may occur.
Today, thanks to advances in dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with composite resins, which bonds to a tooth and is durable and strong, like traditional amalgam. Composite fillings are also more conservative, thus allowing dentists to preserve more of the original tooth structure. A cosmetic benefit of composite fillings is that will match the natural hue of your teeth, for a more aesthetic and harmonious appearance.
Getting a Filling at Family Dentistry and Aesthetics
We make sure that all our treatments are comfortable and gentle for our patients. During your composite filling treatment, we will quickly restore your tooth, with minimal tooth sensitivity or discomfort, in just one office visit.
First, an anesthetic may be used to “put the tooth to sleep,” so you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. If the cavity is only on the surface of the enamel, you may not need an anesthetic. Next, the dentist will use a special tool to carefully remove any bacteria and decay before filling the cavity with composite resin. A special light will then be used to help the material harden and bond the filling to your tooth. When the filling is done, your dentist will shape and polish it, so it feels and looks natural.
If you need fillings but have delayed treatment due to dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry. Dr. Teel and Dr. Gilbert have helped many of our patients overcome fear and receive the treatments they need for a beautiful healthy smile.
