When you have a cavity, a filling can treat the issue and prevent painful dental infections. However, instead of metal, we opt for a holistic and long-lasting composite resin. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about how we treat cavities with our lifelike and strong dental fillings.
The Signs You Need a Dental Filling
If you attend regular six-month checkup visits with our team, we can catch issues like tooth decay in the early stages, often before you develop discomfort, and offer care. In the same visit, we also clean the teeth to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that can weaken enamel and make the risk of cavities higher.
Otherwise, you may not know you need treatment until your tooth begins to ache. Once you have a toothache, the decay has reached a more advanced state, and treatment is crucial for avoiding the onset of a dental infection.
The Benefits of Composite Resin
While metal is effective for treating tooth decay, there are some definite drawbacks. Amalgam contains trace amounts of mercury, and metal restorations tend to change shape with time and temperature, which increase the risk of future decay or infection. With composite resin, we have a material that is biocompatible and bonds with your tooth, so it lasts longer and is also safe for patients of all ages. The material is a unique blend of glass-like and acrylic particles, and can be shaded to blend with your smile. The result is a dental filling that looks natural, provides long lasting repair, and is safe for all patients.
Placing Dental Fillings
The placement process starts with an exam, in which we use digital images to plan treatment by assessing the position and severity of your decay. To ensure you are comfortable, we can offer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. If you have dental anxiety, we can discuss sedation options to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. Our team will then remove the decay for the tooth and thoroughly clean the surfaces. We can prepare and place the composite resin material in multiple layers, and shape the tooth as the material cures beneath a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance.
If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat tooth decay with a lifelike composite resin dental filling, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk to Your Lake Orion, MI Dentist’s Office About Restorative Dentistry
We want to help you enjoy results that look natural and protect your smile, which is why we offer holistic and metal-free dental work. To schedule a visit to treat cavities, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248)693-6213!
