Tooth-Colored Fillings in Friendswood, TX

The most common oral health concern, cavities, is created when bacteria create a small hole in the teeth. To treat the cavity, the bacteria must be cleaned out before the cavity is filled. Not too long ago, cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was made with different combinations of metals, including silver, gold, and mercury. Today, dentists understand that these types of fillings don't adhere well to dental enamel, plus there are dangers to your health from mercury-based fillings. MINT dentistry in Friendswood, TX is committed to giving our patients top-of-the-line solutions that improve their oral health and give them a sexy smile. This is why our premier dental facility provides tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. These advanced dental restorations are made from a material known as composite resin, which fills in cleaned-out cavities after it is shaded to blend seamlessly into your natural enamel. Our highly skilled and board-certified dental health professionals in Friendswood, TX are dedicated to treating your entire family with superior care with tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities.

Fillings made with amalgam are a metal-based material that was used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay for over 100 years in millions of patients. These amalgam fillings (made from a mixture of metals, like tin, silver, mercury, and copper) were the only available material to fill the enamel after a cavity had been removed. Unlike composite fillings, when someone opens their mouth wide to laugh, smile, or talk, these metal fillings are very noticeable. Although some people still have amalgam fillings, our board-certified MINT doctors use tooth-colored fillings to restore your dental health and match the natural color of your teeth for an enhanced smile.

Composite resin fillings are typically used on patients who have small cavities to fill in the decay after it's been sterilized. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to treat other issues, like cracks or building up enamel that been worn down by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the material is shaded to blend with your teeth, tooth-colored fillings are used to treat both the visible and back teeth for an attractive, seamless smile. If you have silver fillings, speak with a member of the MINT dentistry team about having them replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

Thanks to advanced medical technology, a tooth-colored filling at MINT dentistry is generally a simple procedure. To begin your appointment, we'll show you how to use the massaging feature on our comfortable treatment chair, allowing you to choose what music you want to listen to during the procedure. The treatment area(s) will then be numbed using local anesthesia so you won't feel any discomfort. Other forms of sedation can be reviewed with your dentist if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Once you are prepped and relaxed, the decayed area will be very gently removed with a technologically advanced dental drill. After the decayed area is removed and the tooth is cleaned, the cavity will be sealed with the composite material and cured. Our dental team will polish the filling so it is smooth and matches your natural teeth.

You should be able to resume your normal diet when you get home because the filling will be cured, leaving a tough surface. Some patients experience sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for 1 – 3 days, but that should wear off soon. You can take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you feel like you need it, but patients feel little, if any, discomfort. We strongly recommend patients come back after getting a filling for an adjustment to keep their dental bite correct. Bite complications are common because the patient’s mouth is numb, but it is usually a quick, simple fix. Just contact MINT. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean with a good routine at home that includes daily brushing and flossing. During your future exams, we will check your tooth-colored filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point. Fillings made with composite resin material typically look natural and last for a long time. To keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, it is important to attend professional cleanings twice a year with our team of MINT dental professionals.

Tooth-colored cavity fillings are normally covered up to 100% when you use dental insurance. The financial team at MINT dentistry will contact your insurance provider to determine your exact coverage before calculating your personal cost. If you do not have insurance, we will talk to you about the payment methods we accept and information on low-interest medical financing. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in Friendswood, TX get a healthy, beautiful smile and we're dedicated to making that goal attainable for everyone. Ask a member of our team to find out how the MINT Discount Plan can make your dental care more affordable.

Dental cavities are a common issue, but at MINT dentistry, we can treat them in a simple and effective manner to help make sure your teeth stay healthy and dazzling. Using advanced technology and special techniques, small areas of tooth decay can be treated with tooth-colored fillings. Our skilled dental professionals will make sure your filling matches your natural enamel for an attractive, healthy smile. If you suspect you or a family member has a cavity in your enamel, contact our office in Friendswood, TX to schedule an appointment for an exam and consultation.