Tooth-Colored Fillings in Sugar Land, TX

Tooth decay, or cavities, is a common dental problem that can weaken the structure of natural teeth. Affecting patients of all ages, this oral condition is the result of acid from certain types of oral bacteria that damage the protective enamel on a tooth. At Made Ya Smile Dental, our skilled general dentists use composite resin fillings to treat and restore cavities in teeth. Made of strong, durable material, these tooth-colored fillings can also be used to fix minor fractures of chips on teeth and blends beautifully with surrounding tooth structure.

Amalgam (silver) fillings used in the past have now given way to the implementation of composite tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings bond better with the teeth and do not carry the same health risks as amalgam fillings. When using composite fillings for dental cavities, our dentists can offer a more conservative approach as composite requires the removal of less tooth structure to place. If you have a cavity or minor to moderate damage on a tooth, a composite filling may be ideal for your needs. We may even be able to replace your old amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite for a seamless appearance. Get in touch with our Sugar Land, TX family practice today and learn if composite fillings are right for your smile.

If you have a cavity or damaged tooth that need to be filled, or want to replace an old metal filling, tooth-colored resin filling is not only an attractive option, but is a high-quality dental treatment. The advantages of getting a tooth-colored filling, such as a cosmetic filling for the front tooth, at our Sugar Land, TX location include:

• Virtually invisable when eating or speaking
• Better for you than metal fillings
• Stops more decy from taking places
• Reduces or eliminates sensitivity
• Quick treatment with minimal discomofrt
• Long-lasting
• Looks better than a metal filling

Composite resin is a strong, smooth material that can be used to treat teeth in the back or front of the mouth. Ideal for treating minor to moderate tooth decay and damage, these tooth-colored fillings allow our team to effectively restore function by rebuilding tooth structure and strengthening areas in the mouth where damage has occurred. Composite is preferred over amalgam not only for its appearance but also its ability to take a more conservative approach in restoring health and wellness to the smile. Children, teens, and adults may all benefit from tooth-colored fillings to repair decay or damage in the mouth.

You or your family member may be a candidate for a tooth-colored composite filling if you have decay on a tooth, worn tooth enamel or uneven biting edges, or chipped or fractured teeth. Some patients also wish to have their old amalgam fillings removed and replaced with tooth-colored composite for a more aesthetic look to the smile. The composite material is durable, strong, and shaded to match the color of surrounding tooth enamel. Once placed in the tooth, the composite is polished for a smooth feel and seamless appearance.

Placing a composite filling is typically a quick, single-visit procedure. At Made Ya Smile Dental, we are dedicated to providing comfortable, high-quality care for your family and will ensure your comfort throughout your visit. We take an easy chairside approach and use a gentle touch to treat patients of all ages who require treatment with composite fillings. Our dentists will begin by numbing the tooth with local anesthetics. Sedation dentistry options are also available to help you relax if feeling anxious. Using our advanced dental equipment, we will remove the damaged or decayed tooth structure and then rinse and dry the tooth. Our dentists will then choose the shade of composite to match your enamel and layer the material within the tooth. To set the filling, we will use a special curing light that hardens the material in place. Your filling will then be polished for a smooth look and feel and your bite checked and adjusted as needed for comfort.

Once your composite filling procedure is complete, our team will provide instructions on how to care for your new fillings at home. Unless you received oral-conscious sedation for your procedure, you are free to drive yourself home and go about your normal routine. You should avoid eating, however, until the feeling completely returns to your tongue, cheeks, and lips. It is not uncommon to experience temperature sensitivity in the first few days following after your filling is placed. If your bite feels high or tooth sensitivity does not resolve, please get in touch with our office so that we can get you back in to make a quick adjustment. Brushing and flossing daily is the best way to care for your new filling. At each of your biannual cleaning and exam visits as Made Ya Smile Dental, our team will continue to check your filling and make sure it is still serving your smile well.

Composite tooth-colored fillings are restorative procedures and are generally covered in part by most dental insurance plans when decay or damage is present. A member of our team will contact your provider and review your specific benefits. Made Ya Smile Dental accepts most PPO plans and can help you maximize your insurance benefits to improve your oral health. If you have costs that are not covered by insurance, we can let you know about our convenient payment options, including low- or no-interest financing plans through CareCredit®.

Are composite fillings superior to silver amalgam fillings?
There are several benefits that composite dental fillings have over silver amalgam fillings. When composite fillings are used to fill a tooth, they can be shaded to match the color of natural teeth. Tooth-colored fillings can bond better to your enamel and are more pliable than silver amalgam fillings, making them less likely to crack.

Do tooth-colored fillings look like my natural teeth?
Your dentist will shade your composite filling to match your natural enamel, seamlessly restoring your smile and oral health. To learn more about how composite fillings can help improve your dental health, call our Sugar Land, TX office to schedule a consultation.

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
Composite fillings can last for up to 12 years if cared for properly. It is essential to have an oral health routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day to manage for your dental fillings and maintain optimal oral health.

Minor to moderate damage on a tooth can often be resolved with a simple tooth-colored composite filling. Treating a damaged tooth with a simple filling early on can help minimize the need for more extensive treatments in the future. Composites are strong, durable, highly aesthetic, and offer a more conservative approach to care. If you or a family member have a cavity or a chipped tooth, call Made Ya Smile Dental in Sugar Land, TX today to schedule a visit with one of our dentists.