Tooth-Colored Fillings in Humble, TX

One of the most common oral health problems, cavities, develop when bacteria erode the enamel. Once the cavity is discovered, it must be sanitized to remove the bacteria before it is sealed to prevent further damage. Previously, cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was a mixture of different metals, such as silver or mercury. Now, dental professionals realize that amalgam fillings do not adhere well to dental enamel and that mercury could be dangerous to your health. MINT dentistry in Humble, TX is dedicated to providing our patients with state-of-the-art treatments that meet their dental needs 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 once it is tinted to match your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. Our highly skilled and board-certified dental health professionals in Humble, TX are dedicated to treating you and your family with superior care by treating cavities with tooth-colored fillings.

Fillings made with amalgam are a metal-based material that was what dentists used to treat tooth decay and cavities for more than 150 years in their patients. Amalgam fillings (made from a combination of metals, such as mercury, copper, silver, and tin) were the only available material to treat a dental cavity and restore the tooth. Unlike composite fillings, opening your mouth wide to yawn, laugh, or talk means these silver fillings are very noticeable. While many individuals still have amalgam fillings, our board-certified MINT doctors use composite resin fillings to save the structure of the tooth and match the natural color of your teeth for an enhanced smile.

Fillings are typically used to fill a cavity in the enamel once it's been cleaned. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to treat other problems with the teeth, including sealing small cracks or building up enamel that been worn down by grinding your teeth. Since the material is colored to blend with your teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be placed on any area of your front and back teeth for a smile that doesn't look like it had cavities. If you have silver fillings, ask a member of the MINT dentistry team about getting them replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

Since MINT dentistry is equipped with cutting-edge technology, getting a cavity treated with a tooth-colored filling is usually a simple process. At the start of your appointment, a team member will help you settle into one of our luxurious, massage-style treatment chairs, then you can choose what you want to listen to during your treatment. The areas surrounding the cavity will be then numbed using local anesthetic to make sure you remain comfortable throughout the process. Other forms of sedation can be discussed with your dentist to keep you comfortable and relaxed if you have any anxieties or fears about your treatment. Once you are at ease and prepared, the decayed enamel will be very gently removed with a state-of-the-art dental drill. After the affected enamel is eliminated and the surrounding enamel is sanitized, the hole will be sealed with the composite material and cured. Your dentist will then polish the material so it feels smooth.

You should be able to resume your normal diet once your appointment is over because the composite resin material used for the filling will be set, creating a tough surface. Some patients experience sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but that should wear off soon. You may take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you feel like you need it, but most patients feel no discomfort. We recommend you come back for an adjustment after getting fillings to ensure the bite is perfect. Complications with your bite are common because the patient’s mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia; however, it is easy to fix. Just call us. Tooth-colored fillings should be cared for with a home oral care routine that includes brushing and flossing every day. At your future exams, your dentist will inspect your tooth-colored filling and determine if it should be replaced or repaired at any point. Fillings made with composite resin material generally look natural and last for a long time. To make sure your teeth remain healthy, it is important to schedule biannual dental cleanings at our practice.

Tooth-colored fillings are a common treatment for cavities that are normally covered up to 100% if you have dental insurance. A member of our MINT dentistry team will contact your insurance provider to determine your exact coverage before calculating your personal cost. For patients without insurance, the MINT dentistry support staff will go over the payments we accept, as well as medical financing options. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in Humble, TX get sexy teeth, and we are committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with a member of our team to find out how your routine cleanings and treatments, like tooth-colored fillings, are priced under our exclusive MINT Discount Plan.

When you get a cavity, MINT dentistry is there with a treatment to help you maintain the appearance of your gorgeous smile. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, a tooth-colored filling can quickly and easily treat a small area of tooth decay. Our experienced doctors and 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, contact our office in Humble, TX to schedule an oral health exam.