Tooth Fillings in St. John, MO
For minor tooth damage, composite tooth fillings are an excellent way to treat infected teeth without compromising the appearance of your smile.
Tooth Fillings in St. John, MO . When someone develops a cavity or crack, tooth fillings are the go-to dental solution. But in the past, getting tooth fillings meant getting a shiny gold or silver cap over the tooth being treated. Now, we offer natural-colored tooth fillings in St. John, MO that are barely visible and help preserve damaged teeth.
For natural-looking tooth fillings in St. John, MO, you need a skilled dentist you can trust. At Plaza Dental Center, our mission is to provide quality dental care to all residents in St. John, MO . Our highly accomplished dental team is ready to serve you in your need for natural looking tooth fillings in St. John, MO. Contact us at 314-361-1818 today to shcedule a visit to Plaza Dental Center today.
Types of Tooth Fillings in St. John, MO
In the past, the only option for a patient with a cavity was to get a glaringly obvious metal filling or remove the tooth. Advances in modern dentistry have transformed both the physical and cosmetic aspects of cavities and other dental treatments. Each available filling material comes with its own set of risks and benefits.
Metal Filling Materials
Tooth fillings were originally metal, made from either cast gold, silver, or a silver amalgam. Though these metal fillings are not in style and create an appearance that some consider undesirable, there are still unique benefits to gold and amalgam fillings. The metal material makes them strong and durable, and amalgam fillings are the least expensive option.
On the other hand, some of their qualities make these kinds of fillings less-than-desirable. The most obvious con of gold and silver fillings is the appearance; they look far from natural and draw attention. In the filling procedure using silver or gold, the dentist is forced to remove a large portion of the tooth, including healthy parts. The metal itself can fade and discolor over time and they are at risk for cracking and fracturing in the presence of hot and cold temperatures. Regardless of cosmetic drawbacks, gold or silver amalgam fillings can cause sensitivity due to temperature conductivity and, though not terribly common, there is a risk of neurotoxicity caused by metal entering the bloodstream.
Tooth-Colored Filling Materials
We now have the capability to offer multiple options for dental fillings and other dental treatments that are natural in appearance. For tooth-colored fillings, we most often turn to a composite resin material. Another popular material we use in our St. John dental work is porcelain. When compared against their preceding gold and silver counterparts, these tooth-colored materials have several notable benefits.
- Cosmetically, they achieve a better look. Due to their natural appearance and malleability, they can easily be made to blend in with the rest of the teeth and are nearly invisible.
- Because the resin chemically bonds to the existing tooth, it helps make the tooth stronger.
- In applying the composite filling, the dentist is able to preserve a larger part of the existing tooth.
- There is less sensitivity to temperature.
- There is a much lower chance of the resin cracking or chipping due to temperature-related expanding and contracting.
- The materials are safe and contain no neurotoxic metals.
Composite tooth fillings in St. John, MO come with a higher price tag than the silver amalgam alternative, but are more affordable than solid gold fillings. Due to the extensive list of benefits associated with the material, most patients find that they are easily worth the cost. The dentists at Plaza Dental Center have the skill and experience to apply composite tooth fillings in St. John, MO that allow you to leave your naturally beautiful smile intact while treating your cavities in a simple procedure.
Tooth Fillings Procedure
Tooth fillings in St. John, MO are the accepted practice for cavities, cracks, and other minor damage to a tooth. If you suffer from a larger or more widely affected area of damage, your dentist may recommend and perform other restorative and cosmetic dental procedures.
When you notice tooth pain, trauma to a tooth, or believe you may have a cavity, take the firs step by scheduling a visit with your dentist so they can evaluate your condition.
Should your dentist conclude that you are in need of tooth fillings to care for your affected teeth, you will then undergo a brief dental filling procedure. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area while they operate. They will then use a hand tool to remove any damaged parts of the tooth and clean the site.
To apply composite fillings, your dentist will then prepare the tooth by creating tiny holes in the enamel that allow the composite to bond to the tooth more firmly. The dentist carefully applies the resin in layers to achieve the desired size and shape. After that, the material is hardened with the use of a laser. Lastly your dentist will add the extra touch of authenticity by buffing and polishing the resin as necessary. In the end, you will have tooth fillings that look almost identical to a natural tooth!
In addition to tooth fillings, we provide a complete list of cosmetic, restorative, and general dental services. Learn more about these different services below.
- Dental Emergency
- Gum Contouring
- Broken Tooth Repair
- Invisalign®
- Tooth Pain Relief
- Periodontal Treatment
- Composite Fillings
- Tooth Pain
- Gingivitis Treatment
- Dentist Near Me
Get Tooth Fillings in St. John, MO | Plaza Dental Center
Tooth fillings in St. John, MO are an easy and effective way to treat cavities and other minor tooth damage. Composite resin tooth fillings allow us to provide dental fillings that look real and don’t take away from your naturally beautiful smile. The excellent dentists and dental staff of Plaza Dental Center are ready to provide you with the best and most natural-looking tooth fillings in St. John, MO.
Get the quality tooth fillings in St. John, MO you need from Plaza Dental Center today. Learn more about our complete dental services or request the tooth filling or other dental care you need today by requesting an appointment online or calling us at 314-361-1818 now.