A lovely smile is always a healthy smile, but cavities and tooth decay can cause damage beneath even the most perfect teeth. At Stonegate Family Dentistry, we provide dental fillings to restore the functionality and longevity of teeth that have been impaired due to decay. We provide composite fillings that give the appearance and feel of natural teeth while supporting the tooth with durability and strength.
Dental fillings are restorative treatments that fix the appearance, feel, and functionality of teeth that have incurred damage due to cavities and decay. They can help treat tooth decay that has progressed to the point of causing erosion of the tooth’s enamel. Fillings are also crucial to repairing affected teeth after a root canal procedure, and they are designed to last a lifetime.
A filling is done to mend cracked or broken teeth. To treat the cavity, our dentist will gently extract the decayed section of the tooth, clean the remaining part of the tooth thoroughly and pack the void with a dental filling. Filling a cavity in the initial stages can help prevent more serious dental procedures such as a root canal in the future.
There are two principal categories for dental fillings: amalgam or metal fillings, and composite or tooth-colored fillings.
Amalgam fillings are also called silver fillings and are composed of a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. These filings are solid and durable and usually last 10 to 15 years. They generally cost less compared to resin fillings. However, unlike tooth-colored resin, metal fillings are hard to miss when you open your mouth wide. Moreover, some individuals are sensitive to the metals present in the amalgam.
A composite filling is a tooth-colored resin made from a combination of ceramic and plastic compounds. They are widely preferred over amalgam fillings as they blend in seamlessly with the existing natural teeth. Composite resins bond quickly to the tooth’s surface and preserve a larger portion of the tooth as very little enamel is removed during its application.
Dental fillings succeed more and are easier to perform in the initial stages of cavity development. While some cavities cause oral pain and irritation to the surrounding teeth and gums, other cavities occur without any recognizable signs. The best technique to keep your mouth cavity-free is with regular professional dental checkups and an effective oral health routine.
Our Stonegate Family Dentistry team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a customized plan to meet your individual needs. Call Dentist in Murfreesboro, TN today at (615) 624-6919 or request an appointment online.
MON - SUN Closed
