Dental Filling in Brentwood, TX

Cavities, or tooth decay, are one of the most common dental conditions among patients today. They develop when harmful oral bacteria produce a toxin that creates a small hole in the tooth. Cavities must be cleaned out, to remove bacteria and decayed tooth structure, and then filled to restore the tooth. Not that long ago, cavities were treated with amalgam fillings, which are a mixture of silver, mercury, and other metals. We now know that metal fillings do not adhere well to the tooth structure and that mercury fillings may pose a health risk. MINT dentistry in Brentwood, MD is dedicated to giving our patients advanced treatments that meet their dental needs and create a sexy smile. For this reason, our premier dental facility offers tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. An aesthetic restorative option, tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin that blends with natural teeth for a seamless result. Our experienced MINT dentists in Brentwood, MD are pleased to offer tooth-colored fillings for cavity treatment and are dedicated to providing your entire family with the highest-quality dental care.

For more than 150 years, amalgam fillings were used to fill cavities and address tooth decay. In the past, these metal-based compounds (made from a combination of tin, silver, mercury, copper, and other metals) were the only option available to treat a dental cavity and restore a tooth. Compared to modern, composite resin fillings, amalgams are far more noticeable, particularly when a person laughs, speaks, or opens their mouth wide. While some people still have amalgam fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use composite resin fillings to treat tooth decay and create healthy, dazzling smiles.

At MINT dentistry, our dentists often use composite fillings to treat small cavities that develop in the teeth. A versatile dental material, composite resin also can be used to address other issues, such as to repair cracks or strengthen enamel worn down from teeth grinding. Since composite resin is shaded to blend with your natural enamel, tooth-colored fillings can be used on both the front and back teeth. If you have old amalgam fillings, ask a member of our Brentwood, MD team about replacing them with tooth-colored fillings.

Getting a cavity treated with a tooth-colored filling is typically a simple, efficient process at MINT dentistry. At the start of your appointment, we'll help you relax in a massaging treatment chair, then you can choose the music that will play during your treatment. The treatment area(s) will then be numbed with a local anesthetic to make sure you remain comfortable throughout the process. Other forms of sedation can be discussed with your MINT dental team if you have any anxieties or fears about your treatment. When you're prepped and relaxed, the decayed tooth structure will be carefully removed with state-of-the-art tools. After the decayed area is removed and the surrounding enamel is sanitized, the space will be filled with a composite resin material (selected to match your enamel) and set with a curing light. We will then polish the material so it blends evenly with your other teeth and feels smooth to the touch.

You should be able to resume your normal diet after having your dental filling placed, but we advise waiting to eat until the anesthetic has worn off. It's common to experience sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but that should subside after a few days. You may take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you feel like you need it; however, most patients have little, if any, discomfort. If your filling feels a little high once the anesthetic has worn off, contact our team so we can get you in for a quick bite adjustment. Bite complications are difficult to avoid when the mouth is numbed with local anesthesia; however, these concerns are simple to fix. You can care for your new filling by brushing and flossing thoroughly at least twice a day. Tooth-colored fillings generally look natural and can be long-lasting. To make sure your teeth remain healthy, we encourage you to attend biannual dental cleanings and exams at our Brentwood, MD office. During your dental exams, we'll evaluate your filling and decide if it should be replaced or repaired at any point.

Dental fillings are restorative options that are often covered, at least in part, by dental insurance. The financial team at MINT dentistry will contact your insurance provider to review your coverage and calculate any personal costs. For patients without insurance, we accept a variety of convenient payment methods and can discuss low-interest financing options. MINT dentistry believes that every individual in Brentwood, MD deserves to have sexy teeth, and we're committed to making dental care as budget-friendly as possible for our patients. Speak with a member of our team to find out how your dental treatment could be more affordable with the MINT Discount Plan.

Dental cavities may be a common dental concern, but with effective and timely treatment, you can still maintain a bright, beautiful smile. Thanks to cutting-edge tools and advanced techniques, a tooth-colored filling can often be placed to treat a small area of tooth decay. Our experienced dentists will shade the filling to match your teeth for an attractive, seamless smile. If you have signs of tooth decay, contact MINT dentistry in Brentwood, MD to schedule a consultation.