Dental Fillings Coral Gables

Even daily brushers and flossers are liable to get a cavity or two at some point in their lives. What matters most is catching a cavity early and preventing it from causing extensive decay. Cavities that are not treated with a filling can be painful and may eventually require a more expensive treatment like root canal or dental implant.

If you have developed a cavity, the good news is that there has never been a better time to get a filling. Finally, the days of silver fillings that glimmer in your mouth are behind you. Garcia | Mayoral Dentistry offers composite resin fillings, aka tooth-colored fillings, that blend in with the natural shade of your teeth. They are an effective and attractive way to restore the health of your teeth.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dentists used to avoid composite resin fillings because they were not as durable as silver amalgam fillings. Over time, however, the material has advanced so that resin is of comparable strength. Now that resin fillings last longer, it makes sense to offer the option that also blends in seamlessly with your smile.

Fortunately, tooth-colored fillings are not one standard shade of white. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Mayoral can mix resin that matches the precise hue of the tooth with the cavity. This level of detail makes it almost impossible for someone to spot your filling.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Procedure Details

Most cavities are discovered during a regular dental appointment. Unless the cavity has progressed to the point where it is causing discomfort, you are unlikely to recognize tooth decay on your own. That’s why it is so important to let Dr. Garcia and Dr. Mayoral examine and X-ray your mouth for these emerging health problems.

If a cavity is found, your dentist dries the saliva from the affected tooth. Next, he drills into the decaying part of the tooth to clear it of infection. He blends the composite resin material so that it matches the natural color of your teeth. The resin is then inserted into the hole where it hardens almost immediately. Your dentist can smooth the surface of the tooth so that it looks like a natural tooth shape.

Fillings Recovery and Results

After receiving a filling, you can manage any lingering discomfort with pain medication. Some tooth sensitivity is normal for a few weeks. Limit your consumption of chewy and hard foods, as well as beverages that are extremely hot or cold, to avoid aggravating your healing tooth.

Remember that fillings do not prevent your treated tooth from getting additional cavities. That means you should continue to brush and floss your teeth with fillings in the same manner that you do your other teeth. Improving your oral hygiene can prevent the need for additional fillings in the future.

Resin-based fillings last up to one decade before needing to be replaced. To extend your filling’s lifespan, you should avoid acidic and sugary foods that erode composite resin — not to mention your teeth’s enamel.

Make an Appointment

With tooth-colored fillings being such an easy option, you have no excuse to ignore a cavity. If you have an untreated cavity, or you are overdue on scheduling a dental examination to check the health of your teeth, please schedule an appointment at our office in Coral Gables, FL by calling (305) 444-4300.