Attractive Tooth-Colored Fillings – Grand Prairie, TX
Thankfully, the lines between cosmetic and restorative dentistry have blurred. For you, as a patient, this is a definite plus. That means no more unsightly amalgam (metal) fillings that signal to the world that you’ve had a cavity. At our Grand Prairie office, Dr. Ticole Nguyen places tooth-colored fillings to create smiles that are just as visually appealing as they are functional. Learn more about the amazing new era of tooth-colored fillings when you visit us. To schedule an appointment, contact one of our friendly staff members today!
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In times past, the standard way of repairing cavities was to use amalgam fillings. While this technique is known for its durability and cost effectiveness, there are some downsides.
For starters, the amalgam placement can become problematic over time, welcoming decay. Furthermore, the unnatural appearance of glaring metal in your mouth doesn’t bode well in the department of smile aesthetics.
How are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?
If identified early enough, Dr. Nguyen can fill a cavity without the usage of anesthesia. However, in situations where the decay has penetrated to the dentin, she will administer local anesthesia to ensure a painless experience. After removing the decayed tissue and thoroughly cleaning the tooth, she’ll apply a primer (a mild acidic preparatory compound). It will allow for a compound-resin to be added and shaped to fit perfectly with your other teeth.
Once the resin has hardened with the aid of a special light, your dentist in Grand Prairie will perform a bite check to make sure there is no discomfort and that the application is secure. In an hour or less, you’ll have a fully restored smile.
A Strong Case for Tooth-Colored Fillings
Amalgam fillings typically contain a combination of silver, copper, zinc, mercury and tin. As time goes, the alloys can breakdown, releasing harmful toxins. Additionally, amalgam fillings can require a significant amount of the tooth to be removed. And, as a compounding effect, it’s not exactly aesthetically pleasing.
By providing our patients with tooth-colored fillings in Grand Prairie, we’re able to mitigate the above concerns. The final result is that our patients are left with a beautiful restoration that can last up to 10 years.
Maintaining Your Tooth-Colored Filling
Once your smile is restored to a state of excellence, you want to experience the greatest longevity possible. Dr. Nguyen stresses that the better you are at maintaining some simple habits, the longer you can expect your restoration to last. You should be brushing and flossing at least two times a day. This will rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that could cause a new cavity to develop.
It’s also important to monitor your consumption of sweet foods and beverages, as bacteria search for leftover sugar to feed on. To be on the safe side, we strongly suggest you limit your intake of candy, pastries, sodas, juices and other items that are high in simple sugars.
Along with making the correct dietary choices, you should avoid biting your fingernails, nibbling on ice and attempting to pry open packages using your teeth. Otherwise, you could find yourself unnecessarily dealing with a dental emergency.
If you suspect you have a cavity, it’s critical that you act soon. Contact us to schedule a visit today!
If you have questions, we’re here to provide the answers you need. Simply fill out this short form, and we’ll get back to you.