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Kirkwood, MO

Composite Fillings Kirkwood, MO

Composite Fillings in Kirkwood, MO. Treating cavities and other tooth damage with composite fillings can help brighten your smile and improve your self-image. At Plaza Dental, we specialize in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to give people in Kirkwood, 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 cracked, or just need a local Kirkwood, MO dentist for your standard cleaning, contact Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.

Composite Fillings in Kirkwood, MO | Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Near Kirkwood

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings made of glass and quartz with resin that combine to produce a tooth colored material. Our dentist team will color the fillings so they look natural alongside your other teeth. They’re becoming the number one option over dental amalgam fillings for Kirkwood, MO residents who need a cavity filled because of their natural appearance, their relative price, and the fact that amalgam fillings contain the possibility of breathing in a small amount of mercury vapor.

In addition to cavities, composite fillings can enhance your Kirkwood, MO smile by addressing:

How Your Composite Fillings Appointment Will Go

Your Kirkwood, MO dentist will typically start by thoroughly cleaning the damaged area and then administering a local anesthetic to numb the region of your mouth that they’ll be working on. If you need your composite filling because of decay, 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 Kirkwood, MO will reinforce the composite filling with a UV light — a process known as photopolymerization — and will continue applying layers one at a time until the entire tooth is fixed.

After that process is finished, your dentist at Plaza Dental will shape it to match the rest of your teeth, cut out any surplus filling, and finally polish the filling. While the numbness may not wear off for 4 or 5 hours, and you may experience some brief sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages at first, generally, once the procedure is over, both the look and functionality of the filling is immediately equal to that of your natural teeth.

Advantages to Composite Fillings

Apart from composite fillings, there are other types of fillings, for example also gold, silver amalgam or glass ionomer. While an obvious benefit of composite is the natural look, we’ve found that many Kirkwood, MO residents prefer composite because:

  • It is more malleable, which means it can can fill smaller chips and crevices 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 isn’t affected by temperature, so it doesn’t lead to long-term tooth sensitivity.
  • It fastens to your existing tooth, so it will not fall out, and it helps shield the tender tooth underneath the filling.
  • Repairing it is as simple as applying new layers, so mild damage does not result in needing 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 multiple appointments.

How Durable Are Composite Fillings?

One drawback to composite fillings is that they will need to be replaced sooner than other types of fillings. While some other fillings can last between 10 and 15 years, the average composite filling will need to be replaced in about 7 years.

Signs You May Need a Composite Filling

While a chipped tooth is easily viewable, other underlying problems are not as obvious. Some signs you may need composite fillings in Kirkwood, MO are:

  • Bleeding of the gums may be a sign of gingivitis or another gum disease, which can cause tooth decay and much more serious problems if you do not promptly seek treatment.
  • Tooth pain or nonstop toothaches can indicate decay or hard-to-see cracks in the back of your mouth.
  • Persistent bad breath, technically referred to as halitosis, can at times be a sign of severe dental problems and tooth decay.

While your Kirkwood, MO dentist at Plaza Dental is an expert in addressing a lot of dental problems, your best option is always to observe good oral hygiene and tooth decay prevention such as brushing and flossing and investing in professional cleanings and polishings twice a year.

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

Composite Fillings in Kirkwood, MO | Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Near Kirkwood

Composite Fillings in Kirkwood, MO | Dental Plaza

We know that if you’re not proud of your smile it can have an impact on your appearance and confidence, which is why we’ve dedicated our practice to helping Kirkwood, MO residents achieve the smile of their dreams. Whatever 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 smiling everywhere. We have a specific interest in treating Kirkwood, MO residents who are worried about having someone working on their mouth, as we believe a great smile and healthy mouth are something everyone has a right to. If you need composite fillings in Kirkwood, MO, get in touch with Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.