Dental Fillings
Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings Provide Unmatched Aesthetics
When tooth decay develops, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and increase your chances for further oral health concerns. Unaddressed tooth decay can result in tooth loss, gum disease, and even negatively impact your physical health. Our doctors at Iroquois Dentistry in Nashville, TN, use composite dental fillings to repair and restore a tooth with mild to moderate damage, providing lasting, aesthetic results.
As one of the more commonly performed procedures at Iroquois Dentistry, dental fillings can often be placed the same day as they are discovered, eliminating the need for an additional follow-up appointment.
Major side effects of decay include pain and increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary foods. Treating tooth decay as soon as it occurs with a dental filling provides an affordable option to maintaining better oral health. If tooth decay is left unaddressed, it not only causes more damage, but can lead to costly restorative procedures, such as dental crowns, root canal therapy, and even dental implants if the tooth is extracted.
Tooth-colored dental fillings are made from composite resin, a durable combination of acrylic and glass. When bonded to a tooth, this material can restore structural integrity without darkening or damaging the tooth, as is the case with silver amalgam fillings. Because it is tinted to blend with the natural shade of the tooth, composite resin also provides significant cosmetic benefits.
As one of the more commonly performed procedures at Iroquois Dentistry, dental fillings can often be placed the same day as they are discovered, eliminating the need for an additional follow-up appointment. During the procedure, the doctor may numb the tooth and surrounding tissues with a local anesthetic and begin prepping the tooth, adequately removing all decay and unhealthy bacteria. Once the tooth is sufficiently prepared, the doctor will carefully mold the composite resin over the tooth in layers. Because the material initially has a putty-like consistency, this type of procedure requires special skill and artistry to deliver optimum results. As each layer is applied and carefully molded, a specialized curing light is used to harden the resin. The material will then be adjusted to ensure proper occlusion and polished to reveal a healthier smile.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
When properly cared for, tooth-colored fillings can last you for at least five to seven years. Other benefits include:
- Restored dental strength and function
- Immediate results
- Custom-shaded resin to reveal better aesthetics
- Do not expand and contract like old metal fillings
- No weakening or darkening of the tooth, as is the case with amalgam fillings
- Eliminated tooth pain and restored oral health
Caring for your teeth by brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for routine examinations will help you maintain your oral health and prevent further cavities from developing.
Rebuild Damaged Teeth
Iroquois Dentistry
Our top-rated dentists have been serving the Nashville community since 1946. We use the latest technology to offer gentle and effective care at affordable prices, and we are members of various national and local dental organizations:
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Tennessee Dental Association
- Nashville Dental Society
To schedule a visit at Iroquois Dentistry, contact us online or call 615-551-3639.