Do you have old dark fillings that are making your smile look bad and causing toothaches? Do you have painful cavities that you need to fill? We offer white fillings that can instantly give you a makeover and improve your oral health at Coastal General Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA.
Fillings are a simple general dental service that we provide for patients with cavities and tooth decay. By getting a filling, you can avoid a root canal and potentially losing a tooth. Bacteria breaks down tooth enamel and creates holes in your teeth. Untreated cavities can lead to more serious problems like tooth pulp infections.
Instead of waiting until the pain gets unbearable, come see us in Virginia Beach for a dental cleaning. We offer quick and easy tooth-colored fillings. Learn more about our process and how it can benefit you by scheduling a dental exam with us today.
The Benefits of Tooth-colored Fillings in Virginia Beach, VA
White dental fillings are a great option for fixing cavities and come with plenty of perks. One big benefit is how long they last. They will give you a durable solution for your dental needs. Here’s why composite resin fillings are the best choice:
- Boost Appearance While Protecting Your Tooth: White fillings seal out tooth decay while blending in with your natural teeth. They restore the look of your tooth and keep your smile looking great.
- Strengthen and Protect Against Breakage: Fillings restore the natural shape of your tooth. It will be stronger after the repair and less likely to break. They also help prevent further damage from decay.
- Increase Comfort and Improve Function: Cavities can make teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. A filling helps eliminate that discomfort, so eating and drinking feels normal again.
- A Simple, Less Invasive Fix: Fillings are a quicker and more conservative treatment compared to crowns or root canals. They preserve more of your natural tooth and get you back to normal faster.
If you’re dealing with tooth pain, sensitivity, or think you might have a cavity, give us a call. We can also replace old metal or damaged fillings to keep your teeth healthy and comfortable.
Types of Dental Fillings
Dentists can use several types of dental fillings to restore and repair your teeth. The choice of filling compound depends on some factors. Elements such as the location and extent of the decay, aesthetic preferences, and your budget can have an effect. The following are the different types of dental fillings dentists can use to repair cavities and protect your teeth.
- Gold: Cast gold fillings are a durable option for patients. Dentists typically place gold fillings on the back molars. However, gold dental fillings don’t match the rest of the teeth.
- Silver Metal: Like gold fillings, silver amalgam fillings protect the back molars. Although silver metal fillings are less costly than other options, the color doesn’t match natural tooth enamel. Metal fillings can also contain mercury, a substance that is toxic when ingested in large amounts.
- Composite: These dental fillings can repair cavities and also cracked or damaged teeth. We can color-match composite dental fillings to the rest of your teeth.
- Porcelain: Made of porcelain ceramic, these fillings can last over 15 years with the right care. Additionally, like composite fillings, porcelain fillings blend in with the shade of natural teeth.
Treatment with Dental Fillings
Prior to treatment, Dr. Sinclair will examine your teeth and our dental hygienist will clean them. Teeth cleanings and routine dental care are important steps because they remove plaque and tartar that cause cavities. Then, he will apply a local anesthetic to your affected tooth.
You can ask for dental sedation so you don’t feel anxious during the dental filling procedure. Typically, patients need fillings after a root canal procedure. A root canal procedure removes infected pulp within the tooth chamber.
Next, he will clean out the infected tissue from the tooth cavity using special tools. He will make sure that he only leaves healthy tooth enamel. After he fully disinfects the tooth, Dr. Sinclair will fill the tooth using your filling material of choice.
The most popular choice is white composite fillings, or fillings that blend in with the color of the rest of your teeth. Composite or porcelain fillings are the most common white fillings. These not only look real but also make teeth stronger and stop infections from coming back.
Finally, he will polish it and make sure it looks like he did nothing to it! Best of all, no one will know that you have a new filling. You will likely forget about it in the future because of its natural look. If you have dental insurance, it may cover the cost of your dental filling procedure.
How To Take Care of a New Filling
Once you get a new dental filling, take good care of it so it lasts a long time. Try not to eat or drink anything for at least 1-2 hours after the filling is put in to let it harden completely. For the first few days, avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could loosen it. Keeping up with good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day is key to keeping the filling healthy and preventing decay.
Make sure to see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings and address any problems that come up. If your filled tooth hurts or feels sensitive, don’t wait to call your dentist. Following these tips will help your new dental filling stay strong and effective.
Contact Our Dental Office for Dental Fillings
Do you have pits or cavities in your tooth enamel and need a dental filling? Schedule an appointment with our dental team on our website. You can also call our dental office today at 757-216-9914.
Ask us any questions you have about your current symptoms and treatment options. Schedule an appointment and we will gladly answer your questions at your next dental visit.