Tooth-Colored Fillings in Southwest Houston

One of the most common oral health problems, cavities, form when bacteria creates a small hole in the teeth. Once the cavity is discovered, it must be sanitized to remove the bacteria before it is sealed to prevent further damage. Not too long ago, cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was made with different combinations of metals including silver, gold, and mercury. Now, dental professionals realize that metal fillings do not adhere well to dental enamel, plus there are dangers to your health from mercury-based fillings. At MINT dentistry in Houston, TX, we are committed to providing our patients state-of-the-art treatments that meet their dental needs while keeping their smile stunning. For this reason, our premier dental facility treats dental cavities with tooth-colored fillings. These advanced dental restorations are made from a composite resin and are used to fill cavities after it is shaded to blend seamlessly into your natural enamel. Our team of experienced, board-certified MINT doctors in Houston, TX are committed to treating your entire family with superior care by treating cavities with tooth-colored fillings.

Fillings made with amalgam are a metal material that have been what dentists used to treat tooth decay and cavities for more than 150 years in millions of patients. These amalgam fillings (which contain a mixture of metals such as mercury, silver, tin, and copper) were the only option available to treat a dental cavity and restore the tooth. Unlike composite fillings, opening your mouth wide to yawn, laugh, or talk means these old, amalgam fillings are very noticeable. While many individuals still have silver fillings, our team of experienced MINT dentistry professionals uses tooth-colored fillings to restore your dental health and give you a smile that's healthy and dazzling.

Fillings are usually 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 material is colored to match your teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be used to treat any area of your front and back teeth for a smile that doesn't look like it had cavities. If you have silver fillings, speak with a member of the MINT dentistry team about having them replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

With modern dental technology, getting a tooth-colored filling at MINT dentistry is generally an easy process. To begin your appointment, a team member will show you how to use the massaging feature on our comfortable treatment chair, allowing you to choose what music you want to listen to during the treatment. The treatment area(s) will then be numbed with a local anesthetic to make sure you remain comfortable throughout the process. Adding another sedation method can be discussed with your MINT team of dental professionals to help any dental fears or anxieties so you can stay relaxed and comfortable. Once you are at ease and prepared, the enamel affected by the cavity will be very gently removed with a state-of-the-art drill. After the affected enamel is removed and the tooth is cleaned, the cavity will be filled with the composite material and hardened with a special light. Your dentist will polish the filling so it blends with your other teeth and feels smooth.

When you leave, you should be able to eat whatever you want when you get home since the filling will be set, creating a firm surface. It's common to have extra sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a couple of days, but that should wear off soon. You may take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you feel like you need it, but patients feel no discomfort. We highly recommend you come back for an adjustment after getting fillings to make sure your bite has not been altered. Bite complications are difficult to avoid because the patient’s mouth is numb, but it is usually a quick, simple fix. Just call us. Tooth-colored fillings should be cared for with a home oral care routine including flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. During your regular appointments for cleanings, we will inspect your filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point. Tooth-colored fillings usually last for a very long time and look natural. To make sure your teeth remain healthy, it is important to attend bi-annual dental cleanings at our office in Houston, TX.

A common treatment for cavities, tooth-colored fillings are generally covereda t least in part when you use dental insurance. The financial team at MINT dentistry will contact your insurance company to check how much your insurance will cover and then calculate your out-of-pocket 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 wants to help everyone in Houston, TX get a healthy, beautiful smile and we are committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with your dentist for more information on how your routine cleanings and treatments like tooth-colored fillings are priced under our exclusive MINT Discount Plan.

MINT dentistry treats the common dental cavity effectively to help make sure your teeth stay healthy and dazzling. Thanks to cutting-edge tools and advanced techniques, tooth-colored fillings can stop tooth decay before bigger problems develop. Our experienced doctors and dental professionals will make sure your filling matches your natural enamel for a seamless, healthy smile. If you have signs of a cavity in your enamel, contact our office in Houston, TX to schedule consultation.