Brentwood, MO

Composite Fillings Brentwood, MO

Composite Fillings in Brentwood, MO. Treating cavities and other tooth damage with composite fillings can help brighten your smile and enhance your self-esteem. At Plaza Dental, we are masters in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to give people in Brentwood, MO tooth-colored fillings that are indistinguishable from their natural teeth. If you have damaged teeth, or just need a local Brentwood, MO dentist for your examination, reach out to 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 can customize the fillings so they match your teeth. They’re becoming the preferred choice over dental amalgam fillings for Brentwood, MO residents who need a cavity filled because of their natural appearance, their relative price, and the fact that amalgam fillings contain trace amounts of mercury, which can be hazardous for some patients.

In addition to cavities, composite fillings can improve your Brentwood, MO smile by addressing:

• Bruxism, or tooth grinding
• Cracked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Worn teeth
• Other tooth decay

The Composite Fillings Procedure

Your Brentwood, MO dentist will typically begin your appointment by thoroughly cleaning the damaged area and then administering a local anesthetic to numb the part of your mouth that they’ll be working on. If you are getting a composite filling in order to treat a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed parts of the tooth. Then, the soft composite filling will be applied in layers. After each layer, your dentist in Brentwood, MO will harden the composite filling using a UV light — technically called photopolymerization — and will continue applying layers one at a time until the entire tooth is fixed.

Once that process is finished, your dentist at Plaza Dental will shape it to match the rest of your teeth, trim off any surplus filling, and lastly polish the tooth. While your mouth may stay numb for several hours, and you may feel some brief sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages at first, generally, once the procedure is over, both the appearance and functionality of your teeth are immediately restored.

Benefits of Composite Fillings

In addition to composite fillings, there are other varieties of fillings, such as also various metals or glass ionomer. While an obvious benefit of composite is the natural look, we’ve found that many Brentwood, MO residents also choose composite because:

• It is more malleable, 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 versatility makes it perfect for fixing cracks and spaces between teeth.
• The material does not react to temperature, so it won’t cause persistent tooth sensitivity.
• It bonds to your existing tooth, it’s incredibly unlikely that it will fall out, and it helps insulate the delicate tooth underneath the filling.
• Repairing it is as easy as applying new layers, so modest damage does not lead to a full replacement like it would for other materials.
• It can usually be completed in one appointment with your St. Louis dentist, while other fillings need a mold to be made and then sent to a lab.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

One downside to composite fillings is that they tend to be less durable than other varieties of fillings. While metal fillings can last for over a decade, 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 is easily viewable, other dental problems can usually only be diagnosed by a professional. Some signs you may need composite fillings in Brentwood, MO are:

• Swelling, redness, or bleeding of the gums may be an indication of gingivitis or another gum disease, which can result in tooth decay and much more serious problems if you do not promptly seek treatment.
• Tooth pain or persistent toothaches can mean that your teeth are starting to decay.
• Persistent bad breath, scientifically known as halitosis, can sometimes be an indication of serious dental conditions and tooth decay.

While your Brentwood, MO dentist at Plaza Dental can help you with a lot of dental problems, they’ll always recommend following good oral hygiene and tooth decay prevention such as brushing and flossing and investing in professional cleanings and polishings biannually.

Check out the links below to see some of the other services we offer in Brentwood, MO:

• Dental Emergency
• Gum Contouring
• Broken Tooth Repair
• Invisalign®
• Tooth Pain Relief
• Periodontal Treatment
• Tooth Pain
• Gingivitis Treatment
• Dentist Near Me

Composite Fillings in Brentwood, MO | Dental Plaza

We know that when your smile isn’t what you want it to be it can affect your appearance and confidence, which is why we’ve committed our practice to helping Brentwood, MO residents achieve the smile of their dreams. Regardless of the the current condition of 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 specific interest in seeing Brentwood, MO residents who are nervous about going to the dentist, as we believe a brilliant smile and healthy mouth are something everyone is entitled to. If you need composite fillings in Brentwood, MO, call Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.