Few of us will escape it, and at some point, most of us will develop a cavity and need to have it filled. In fact, the fillings procedure is one of the most common procedures most general dentists do on a daily basis!
The good news is that unlike the unattractive gray metal fillings of the past, today we can fill cavities so discreetly, only you and your dentist will know you have a filling. Tooth-colored fillings do a great job of stopping tooth decay from spreading in your tooth, and they are strong and durable. They also offer other advantages over metal amalgam fillings.
At Lusk Family Dentistry we offer tooth-colored restorations at our Farmington, NM dental office, including tooth-colored fillings.
What Happens When You Get a Filling at Lusk Family Dentistry?
The process for getting a dental filling hasn’t changed much over the years. Essentially, your dentist drills away the dental decay to make room for a filling. The area will be numbed first so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Once your dentist in 87401 has prepared the tooth, the composite material used for tooth-colored fillings is applied to the tooth in layers, with each layer “cured” before applying the next. After filling the tooth, your dentist will ask you to bite down to ensure the restoration feels comfortable. If needed, your dentist can adjust the filling until it feels normal to bite down.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings in Farmington, NM
Not only do tooth-colored fillings look better, but they offer other advantages of metal amalgam fillings as well:
- Because they adhere directly to the tooth, less of the original tooth structure needs to be removed to make room for them.
- They have less of a tendency to expand and contract with changes in temperature, so they don’t tend to cause fractures in the tooth over time the way amalgam fillings do.
- Composite fillings are excellent for use toward the front of the mouth for fillings, or to repair minor flaws in the teeth because their color will match the rest of the teeth.
If you think you might have a cavity and need a tooth-colored filling, or if you are simply overdue for a checkup and cleaning, call our Farmington, NM dental office. We look forward to seeing your smile!