When you have a cavity, then receiving a dental filling could treat the issue and prevent the risk of an infected or abscessed tooth. Instead of a metal restoration, we could place a filling made from metal-free materials! In today’s blog, your Virginia Beach, VA, dentist explains how we placed lifelike and durable dental fillings.
The Need for a Dental Restoration
A dental filling treats tooth decay to preserve the tooth and stop discomfort, while also preventing the onset of a dental infection or abscess. If you attend regular six-month checkup and cleaning visits, then our team can likely identify cavities in the earliest stages of demineralization, before you even experience discomfort. Otherwise, you may not know you need treatment until the decay reaches a more severe stage, at which point your teeth feel sensitive when you eat and drink, or they could ache. If you have persistent pain in a tooth, then let us know right away. We will conduct a diagnosis to assess the presence and extent of your decay, and to choose the most appropriate treatment, which could include a lifelike dental restoration.
The Benefits of Composite Resin
While metal fillings are effective, they may not be safe for everyone, such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with metal allergies. Fortunately, we use a metal-free material that is safe for people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to adults and seniors. This material blends glass-like and acrylic particles, and can be shaded to blend with the tooth and off a more lifelike appearance. The material is also strong and durable, lasting for years to come. In fact, we use the same material in our dental bonding procedures to address common cosmetic concerns, from damaged teeth to permanent teeth stains.
Placing Your Custom Restoration
Our team will first numb the tooth to ensure you’re comfortable as we gently and thoroughly remove all decay and clean your tooth. We may etch the surface too, and will apply the prepared composite resin material in several layers. We then sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures beneath a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance and a smoother surface, to limit plaque and tartar buildup until your next cleaning visit. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like tooth decay and with a lifelike filling, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Virginia Beach, VA Dentist About Treating Tooth Decay
When you have an aching tooth, please see us right away. We want to help you enjoy a healthy and whole smile! To find out more about our custom restorations, then contact Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at 757-428-7440.