Thanks to dental fillings, it’s easy to repair mild or moderate damage caused by tooth decay or oral trauma. At True Dental Group, James Brown, DDS, Randal Silver, DMD, and the team use tooth-colored, bonded fillings to restore teeth to their vibrant, near-original condition. If you’re concerned about one or more teeth, make an appointment at the practice in Independence, Missouri, by calling the office or requesting one online.
Dental fillings use materials like metal, glass, or plastic to repair damage to your tooth enamel. Specifically, they’re used to address issues like decay, fractures, and general wear and tear.
Traditionally, fillings were made of amalgam, a material that has a silver color. True Dental Group uses tooth-colored bonded fillings. These fillings mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of your natural tooth enamel, allowing them to blend in with your smile.
At True Dental Group, getting a filling takes a single appointment.
At the beginning of your visit, your True Dental Group provider conducts an oral exam and takes X-rays to assess the extent of the damage or decay affecting your tooth. Next, they administer a local anesthetic and carefully remove the damaged or decaying portion of the enamel.
Afterward, your provider compares the color of your tooth enamel to a shade chart. They find a shade that closely matches your natural enamel and mix a resin to mimic that color. When the resin is ready, your provider applies it to your tooth, “filling” the area.
Lastly, your True Dental Group provider points a special light at the filling. The light causes your filling to harden and cure.
After you get a filling, it’s normal to experience some increased tooth sensitivity, especially once the anesthesia wears off. To limit any discomfort, True Dental Group recommends:
Most people adjust to a new filling within a day or two. If your bite feels uneven or the filling bothers you, contact True Dental Group right away.
Tooth-colored, bonded fillings last 5-10* years, but it’s possible to lengthen their use by practicing good oral hygiene and participating in routine preventive care. True Dental Group recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing before going to bed, and visiting the office every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, it’s also a good idea to wear a mouthguard. Doing so can reduce the risk of damage to your tooth enamel.
To see if you can benefit from tooth fillings, book an appointment at True Dental Group. Call the office today, or request a consultation online.
*Individual results may vary.
