Tooth-Colored Fillings in South Arlington, TX

The most common oral health concern, cavities, are created when bacteria erodes the enamel. To treat the cavity, the bacteria must be cleaned out before the cavity is filled. In the past, dental cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was a mixture of different metals such as silver or mercury. Now, we know that amalgam fillings do not bond with the teeth well and that mercury could be dangerous to your health. At MINT dentistry in Arlington, TX, we are focused on providing our patients top-of-the-line solutions that meet their dental needs and give them a sexy smile. For this reason, our premier dental facility provides tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. These advanced dental restorations are made from a composite resin and are used to fill cavities while blending with your natural teeth to match your gorgeous smile. Our highly skilled and board-certified dental health professionals in Arlington, TX are committed to treating your entire family with superior care with advanced treatments like tooth-colored fillings for cavities.

Dental amalgams are a metal material that have been used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay for more than 150 years in millions of patients. These amalgam fillings (which contain a mixture of metals including copper, mercury, silver, and tin) were the only option available to fill and restore a tooth that had a cavity. Unlike composite fillings, when someone opens their mouth wide to laugh, smile, or talk, these silver fillings are very noticeable. While many individuals still have silver fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use tooth-colored fillings to save the structure of the tooth and match the natural color of your teeth for an enhanced smile.

Tooth-colored fillings are often used on patients who have small cavities to fill in the decay in the enamel after it has been cleaned by a MINT dentistry team member. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to treat other problems with the teeth, including cracks or building up enamel that been worn down by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the composite resin is colored to match your natural teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be used on both the visible and back teeth for a seamless appearance. If you have metal fillings, speak with a member of the MINT dentistry team about having them removed and replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

MINT dentistry uses state-of-the-art equipment, so getting a cavity filled at our office is typically an easy process. Before beginning your procedure, a member of our team will help you settle into one of our luxurious, massage-style treatment chairs, allowing you to choose the music that will play during the treatment. The areas surrounding the cavity will be then numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize your discomfort. Other forms of sedation can be discussed with one of our MINT doctors if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Once you are at ease and prepared, the decayed enamel will be very gently removed with a technologically advanced dental drill. After the infected enamel is removed and the tooth is cleaned, the space will be filled with the composite material and cured with a special light. Our dental team will polish the filling once it is set so it is smooth and matches your natural teeth.

You should be able to resume your normal diet as soon as you want since the filling will be set, creating a firm surface. You might have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but that should wear off soon. You may take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if necessary, but patients typically report little, if any, discomfort. We recommend you come back for an adjustment after getting fillings to ensure the bite is perfect. Bite complications are almost unavoidable because the patient’s mouth is numb but are easily fixed. Just call MINT. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean with a home oral care routine including daily brushing and flossing. During your annual dental exam, we will assess your filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point. Tooth-colored fillings generally last for a very long time and look natural. To keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, it is important to attend regular dental cleanings and examinations at our practice.

Since tooth-colored fillings are a common treatment for a cavity, they are usually covereda t least in part by dental insurance. A member of our MINT dentistry team will contact your insurance company to determine your exact coverage before calculating your personal cost. If you do not have insurance, the MINT dentistry support staff can go over the payments accepted by our practice during your consultation, as well as medical financing options. MINT dentistry believes that every patient deserves a luminous and healthy smile and we are committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with a member of our team to find out how we can make your dental experience more affordable with the MINT Discount Plan.

When a dental cavity develops, MINT dentistry offers treatment to help you maintain the appearance of your gorgeous smile. Using advanced technology and special techniques, small areas of tooth decay can be treated with tooth-colored fillings. Our skilled dental professionals will match the color of your natural teeth to give you a seamless, healthy smile. If you suspect you or a family member has a cavity, contact our office in Arlington, TX to schedule an oral health exam.