Tooth-Colored Fillings in Churubusco, IN
Restore Your Beautiful Smile with Composite Dental Filling
Living with cracked teeth can have a significant impact on your daily life and oral health. You may even struggle to be confident in your smile. That’s why at Turtle Town Dental, we offer dental fillings to help restore your healthy smile.
Dr. John Bixler is proud to offer this permanent solution for tooth loss. Fillings are a durable, natural-looking restoration that can give you the confidence to smile freely and enjoy the foods you love. Read on or call 260-693-9300 to learn more about filling procedures and if you’re an ideal candidate.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, are a type of dental restoration used to repair cavities, cracks, chips, or worn teeth. They’re made from a composite resin material that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, creating a discreet and aesthetically pleasing result. Unlike traditional silver fillings, which are easily noticeable, tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly and maintain the natural appearance of your smile.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Compared to silver amalgam fillings, composite dental fillings offer several advantages:
- Natural Appearance: composite fillings closely match the color of your surrounding teeth, making them virtually invisible.
- No Mercury: Composite fillings are composed of a safe composite resin, eliminating concerns about mercury exposure associated with silver fillings.
- Preserving Tooth Structure: Dr. Bixler removes minimal tooth structure when placing the filling, which helps preserve the health and integrity of your tooth.
- Durability: With proper care, tooth-colored fillings can last for 10 to 12 years, offering a long-lasting solution for repairing damaged teeth.
- Versatility: They can address various dental concerns, including cavities, cracks, chips, and minor tooth wear.
Candidacy for Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are a suitable option for many patients over an amalgam filling for:
- Cavities: They effectively restore and seal decayed areas of the tooth, preventing further damage and promoting oral health.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth: They can repair minor cracks and chips, restoring the tooth’s functionality and aesthetics.
- Worn Teeth: They can be used to rebuild tooth structure worn down due to grinding or other factors.
- Replacing Old Fillings: If you have old, damaged, or discolored amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings can be used to replace them for a more natural look.
However, the suitability of tooth-colored fillings depends on the condition of your teeth and the extent of the damage. During a consultation, Dr. Bixler will assess your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Process
Consultation and Examination
During your initial consultation, Dr. Bixler will discuss your concerns and examine your teeth to assess the extent of the damage and determine if tooth-colored fillings are the most suitable treatment option. He’ll also discuss the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and obtain your informed consent.
Anesthesia and Preparation
Before the procedure begins, Dr. Bixler will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth being treated. This ensures your comfort throughout the process. He will then use a dental drill to the back teeth and remove any decayed or damaged tooth tissue.
Placing and Shaping the Filling
Once the area is cleaned and prepared, Dr. Bixler will carefully match the composite resin filling materials to the shade of your natural teeth. The resin is applied in layers and meticulously sculpted to match the original shape and function of the tooth.
Hardening and Polishing
A special ultraviolet light cures and hardens the composite resin, ensuring a strong and durable filling for tooth decay. Once hardened, Dr. Bixler will polish the filling for a smooth, natural finish that blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Final Check and Aftercare Instructions
Dr. Bixler will then check your bite to ensure the composite material on the affected tooth feels comfortable and functions properly. He’ll also provide specific instructions on aftercare, including diet restrictions, pain management, and proper oral hygiene practices.
Aftercare for Tooth-Colored Fillings
Following a few key steps after receiving tooth-colored fillings is crucial for a smooth recovery and longevity:
- Wait for numbness to wear off before chewing
- Avoid hot/cold food and beverages for the first 24 hours
- Stick to soft foods initially like yogurt or soups
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Use gentle brushing
- Limit staining foods/drinks
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings at our Churubusco dental office
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting dental fillings hurt?
The dental filling process can vary from person to person. In general, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia to numb the affected area, which helps minimize pain during the filling placement.
Some individuals may feel a slight pressure or discomfort, but it shouldn’t be excessively painful. If you experience pain, communicate with your dentist, who can adjust the anesthesia or address any concerns you may have.
How long does it take to get dental fillings?
The time it takes to get dental fillings depends on the number of cavities and their size. On average, a single filling may take around 20 to 60 minutes. If you have multiple cavities or complex issues, additional appointments may be necessary.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan of dental fillings can vary based on factors such as the first filling material used, oral hygiene practices, and the location of the filling. Generally, amalgam (metal) fillings may last around 10 to 15 years, while composite (tooth-colored) fillings typically last five to 10 years. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the condition of your fillings and identify any potential issues early on.
Are cavities avoidable?
Cavities are largely preventable with a two-pronged approach: consistent oral hygiene and regular dental care. This involves brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and limiting sugary and starchy foods that can fuel cavity-causing bacteria. Additionally, scheduling regular dental checkups allows your dentist to detect and address potential problems early on, further reducing your risk of cavities.
Achieve Your Ideal Smile with Dr. Bixler Today
Don’t let cavities or damaged teeth affect your smile and oral health. Tooth-colored fillings can help patients regain their natural tooth it’s appearance and function. We recommend this effective treatment to repair and protect your tooth from further problems. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, don’t wait to make an appointment with us.
Contact Turtle Town Dental at (260) 693-9300 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bixler and discuss if a composite filling is right for you.
As one of the premier dental practices near Fort Wayne, IN, Turtle Town Dental also provides a full range of restorative dental treatments to patients from Churubusco, Albion, Columbia City, Avilla, Kendallville, Garrett & Ligonier.