Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are used to treat cavities and tooth decay by replacing the area with a composite resin that can match the shade of your teeth.
Overview
Dental cavities are a common problem that develop when bacteria eats away at your enamel. Previously, cavities were treated with an amalgam material, a mixture of metals including mercury or silver. However, we now know that these fillings don’t fuse fully with the enamel and the mercury may be hazardous to your general health. At Brian Wong D.D.S. P.A. (formerly Stonebriar Dental) in Frisco, TX, board-certified dentists Drs. Brian Wong and Jansen Bean use tooth-colored fillings that are made with a non-BPA composite resin to fill cavities and protect the tooth. They can also take out metal fillings and put on composite resin fillings for a more reliable and more attractive treatment for cavities.
Best Candidates
Composite resin tooth-colored fillings are typically used for patients who get dental cavities to seal the area of decay in the enamel of the tooth once it’s been cleaned out by one of our dentists. Composite resin is a useful material that may be used to correct other concerns with your teeth, such as chips or wear on the enamel by bruxism (teeth grinding). Since the material is tinted to blend with your teeth, fillings may be placed on the back and visible teeth for a great result. If you have amalgam fillings, talk to our team about getting them taken out and re-done with composite resin.
What To Expect
Having a filling with composite resin at Brian Wong D.D.S. P.A. is generally a quick treatment. The needed areas will be numbed to help you feel more comfortable. Stronger sedation methods may be talked about with your dentist for any anxieties or fears to keep you relaxed. As soon as you’re ready, the decayed enamel can be treated using a special drill that will chosen considering the location of the cavity and the amount of decay. Once the affected enamel is cleared away and the area is disinfected, the cavity will be replaced with the composite resin material and hardened. Your dentist will smooth the composite resin so it matches your other teeth.
Recovery
You will be able to get back to your day once your tooth-colored filling is complete, but you may notice a sensitivity to cold and hot drinks and food for several days. You can use a non-prescription pain medicine to minimize discomfort or inflammation; however, you shouldn’t experience any serious problems. If your filling seems uneven or high, please call us. Your filling should be cleaned by using a a home oral care routine including daily flossing and brushing. When you return for your annual dental examination, we will check your filling to determine if it should be replaced or repaired.
Insurance Coverage
Composite resin fillings are a standard treatment for dental cavities that are typically covered in part by dental insurance, if you have it. A team member will talk to your dental insurance company to understand your coverage so we can calculate your out-of-pocket costs. If you don’t have dental insurance, we will talk about the payment methods we accept in your appointment, plus information on medical financing.
Advanced Cavity Treatment
Cavities in the teeth may begin as a small problem; however, it is crucial to have them addressed before they develop into a more expensive concern. At Brian Wong D.D.S. P.A. (formerly Stonebriar Dental) in Frisco, TX, cavities may be addressed with dental fillings. Dr. Wong will match them to the shade of your teeth so you can have a healthy, beautiful smile. If you think you or your child has tooth decay, contact us to schedule a dental examination today.
