Tooth-colored Fillings Can Protect Your Smile

If your smile is suffering due to tooth decay, Dr. Michael J. Appleton and Dr. Christopher Braud can place tooth-colored fillings at their Slidell, LA, practice. These natural-looking restorations can preserve damaged teeth and prevent further decay. Our doctors have chosen to offer tooth-colored fillings because of the many benefits they offer to improve both the appearance and health of your smile. Tooth-colored fillings not only look more aesthetically pleasing than metal options, but they also strengthen your tooth without negative side effects. 

Tooth-colored fillings not only look more aesthetically pleasing than metal options, but they also strengthen your tooth without negative side effects

How Fillings Repair and Prevent Decay

A buildup of bacteria, or plaque, can result in tooth decay. Patients who neglect brushing and flossing or their biannual dental cleanings are more susceptible to developing cavities. Cavities can create holes in your dental enamel, weakening your tooth structure. There is also the potential for infection, which can cause a number of other serious health complications.

By removing the decayed portions of the tooth and placing a filling, we can effectively seal the tooth. This process can prevent bacteria from reaching the inside of the tooth and causing serious damage and infection. Tooth-colored fillings can also strengthen the remaining tooth structure, which helps protect it from further damage.

What are Tooth-colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings use a specialized composite resin to repair a tooth after a cavity. This material is a preferred restorative method over silver amalgam fillings. Composite resin is a biocompatible, non-toxic material that bonds directly to the tooth, strengthening your tooth rather than weakening it further. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored restorations do not expand and contract in response to temperature changes. This can actually preserve your tooth, preventing further stress that can lead to cracks and breakage.

Composite resin fillings also preserve more of your natural tooth structure. Amalgam fillings require the removal of decay and larger portions of your healthy tooth to accommodate the filling. Tooth-colored fillings bond to your teeth, requiring that less tissue is removed for support. These more conservative procedures can also make the process of placing fillings more comfortable and can result in less tooth sensitivity.

Our doctors can place a filling in just one appointment, protecting your smile from the damages of decay.

What to Expect During Treatment

After Dr. Appleton or Dr. Braud determines you require a filling, we can provide a local anesthetic to minimize your discomfort. Once you are ready, we can begin removing the decayed portions of your tooth. Our office uses advanced techniques and technology in order to provide comfortable, gentle care. When all decay has been removed, your doctor will prepare the composite resin mixture. He can ensure the material will closely match your tooth so that the filling is virtually invisible. When the mixture is ready, he will fill the tooth with the composite in layers. A specialized light is held over each layer to harden the material. Once complete, we can smooth and polish the filling to ensure it does not disrupt your bite and blends well with your smile.

Protect Your Oral Health

If you suspect you have a cavity, do not hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment. Our doctors can place a filling in just one appointment, protecting your smile from the damages of decay.