Composite Fillings Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
Composite Fillings in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Treating cavities and other tooth damage with composite fillings can help brighten your pearly whites and boost your self-image. At Plaza Dental, we are masters in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to give people in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO tooth-colored fillings that no one will be able to tell are not your natural teeth. If you have teeth that are decayed or otherwise damaged, or just need a local Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist for your standard cleaning, contact Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings made from powdered glass quartz particles that are added to a resin base. Our dentist team will color the fillings so they look natural alongside your other teeth. They’ve come to be the number one option over dental amalgam fillings for Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO residents who need a cavity filled because they look more natural, are more affordable, and amalgam fillings contain the chance of ingesting a small amount of mercury vapor.
In addition to cavities, composite fillings can improve your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO smile by fixing:
- Bruxism, or tooth grinding
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Worn teeth
- Other tooth decay
How Dentists Apply Composite Fillings
Your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist will generally begin your appointment by meticulously cleaning the affected area and then applying a local anesthetic to numb the gums and tooth. If you are getting a composite filling in order to treat a cavity, your dentist will scrape away the decayed parts of the tooth. Then, they will add the soft composite filling to your teeth in layers. Between layers, your dentist in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO will solidify the composite filling with a UV light — a process known as photopolymerization — so that the next layer can be applied.
After the entire composite filling is in place, your dentist at Plaza Dental will manipulate the filling to look the same as the rest of your teeth, cut out any surplus filling, and lastly polish the tooth. While the numbness may not wear off for several hours, and you may experience some brief sensitivity to temperature changes at first, generally, once you leave the dentist’s office, both the appearance and functionality of your teeth are immediately restored.
Advantages to Composite Fillings
Apart from composite fillings, there are other varieties of fillings, including also various metals or glass ionomer. While an obvious benefit of composite is the natural look, we’ve found that many Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO residents prefer composite because:
- It is much easier to manipulate, which means it can be used to fill smaller cavities and less of your actual, non-decayed tooth has to be chipped away to make room for it.
- Its flexibility before being hardened makes it perfect for eliminating cracks and spaces between teeth.
- The material is immune to changes due to temperature, so it doesn’t lead to persistent tooth sensitivity.
- It affixes to your natural tooth, which makes it much less likely to fall out, and it helps defend the sensitive tooth underneath the filling.
- It’s easily repaired, so mild damage does not lead to a brand new filling like it would for other fillings.
- A composite filling can usually be applied in one appointment with your St. Louis dentist, while other fillings require multiple appointments.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
One disadvantage to composite fillings is that they will need to be replaced sooner than other kinds of fillings. While gold fillings can last up to 15 years, the average composite filling will need to be replaced between 5 and 10 years.
When Do I Need a Composite Filling?
While a chipped tooth can be seen by anybody, especially if it’s one of your front teeth, other dental problems are not as obvious. You’ll want to make an appointment with your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist immediately for the following reasons:
- Swelling, redness, or bleeding of the gums may be a sign of gingivitis or another gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay and a host of other problems if untreated.
- Tooth pain or constant toothaches can indicate decay or hard-to-see broken teeth in the back of your mouth.
- Nonstop bad breath, officially referred to as halitosis, can at times be an indication of severe dental problems as well as tooth decay.
While your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist at Plaza Dental specializes in the treatment of any number of dental problems, your best option is always to observe good oral hygiene and tooth decay prevention such as brushing and flossing and going to professional cleanings and polishings biannually.
Check out the links below to see some of the other services we offer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO:
- Dental Emergency
- Gum Contouring
- Broken Tooth Repair
- Invisalign®
- Tooth Pain Relief
- Periodontal Treatment
- Tooth Pain
- Gingivitis Treatment
- Dentist Near Me
Composite Fillings in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO | Dental Plaza
We know that having damaged teeth can have an impact on how you see yourself, which is why we’ve dedicated our practice to helping Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO residents achieve the smile of their dreams. No matter the extent of the damage to your teeth, Plaza Dental is here to get them looking great and hopes that when you leave our office you’ll be beaming everywhere. We have a particular interest in seeing Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO residents who are apprehensive about sitting in the dentist’s chair, as we believe a brilliant smile and healthy mouth are something everyone deserves. If you need composite fillings in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, contact Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.