Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is highly common among both children and adults and should be effectively treated as soon as possible to help improve and maintain your oral health. At Deer Park Dental Group, Dr. Dave and Dr. Shah can help protect your teeth from cavities or repair damage like cavities with composite fillings and dental sealants.
According to the CDC, one in four adults have at least one cavity, over half of children aged six to eight have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth, and over half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had at least one cavity in their adult teeth. Read on to discover how our Deer Park dentist can help protect your teeth from cavities and repair them after cavities have developed.
Composite dental fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, are non-metallic alternatives to traditional gold and silver (amalgam) fillings. Composite dental fillings are made from resin mixed with materials such as ceramic, quartz, silica, and porcelain. Just like metal fillings, composite fillings are used to treat dental damage such as chips, cracks, and cavities. However, these alternative restorations come with some distinct benefits that have seen them favored over gold and silver fillings.
Benefits of Composite Dental Fillings
Dental sealants are thin plastic-like coatings that are painted onto the back teeth (molars). Your molars are the most vulnerable to cavities because of the depth and unique shape of their grooves. These spaces are often hard to clean on your own, making them ideal places for bacteria-laden plaque and tartar build-up. By coating these teeth in dental sealants, your Deer Park dentists can help prevent build-up and tooth decay.
Before you can undergo treatment with composite dental fillings, your Deer Park cosmetic dentist will have you attend an initial consultation. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth, take digital images and X-rays, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals.
To prepare your teeth for your new dental fillings, we’ll clean your mouth and apply a local anesthetic to the soft tissue around the affected tooth or teeth. Once we’re sure you’re numb, one of our dentists will clean out any damaged or decayed tooth material.
Once the tooth is clean, your dentist will apply the matching resin in layers, hardening each layer as they go with a handheld blue light. Then, they’ll shape and polish the resin for a smooth and natural appearance.
Before you can have dental sealants applied, your Deer Park, TX general dentist will have you attend an initial consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Dave or Dr. Shah will thoroughly examine your mouth, take digital X-rays, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals. They’ll also check for any pre-existing cavities, as you may not qualify for dental sealants if you already have tooth decay.
To prepare your teeth for your dental sealants, we’ll thoroughly clean them first. This will help prevent food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped in the teeth.
To apply your dental sealants, your cosmetic dentist will paint the sealant solution onto your back teeth. They’ll then harden the sealants with a blue light. We may have you wait to eat or drink anything for about 15 to 30 minutes after application.
Once your composite dental filling is set, you’ll need to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist.
General rules for dental filling aftercare tend to include the following:
Wait until the anesthetic has completely worn off before attempting to eat, or attempting to drink hot drinks. Failing to wait until the anesthetic has worn off can lead to you damaging your mouth without knowing it.
Stick to softer foods and room temperature drinks for at least 24-48 hours after your filling is set.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and other potentially harmful substances for at least 24-48 hours after your filling is set.
Be sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Practice regular oral hygiene including brushing, flossing, and rising between meals.
Manage any pain with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
The exact cost of your composite dental fillings will depend on numerous factors including how many you need, the extent of any damage, and your insurance. The cost of your dental sealants will depend on similar factors such as how many teeth you want treated and your insurance coverage.
Our dentists and the rest of our dental staff encourage you to contact your insurance provider beforehand to confirm with them which costs they can cover. Rest assured that Deer Park Dental Group will work with you to ensure you get the dental care you need.
After a composite filling, it’s normal to feel some mild discomfort for the rest of the day or even up to a week afterward. This can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience pain that’s intolerable or lasts more than a week, contact Deer Park Dental Group by dialing (281) 930-8744. Our dentists will diagnose any issues you may be experiencing and figure out which steps to take next in your treatment.
Both composite dental fillings and dental sealants can last 10 to 15 years before they need replacing, although sealants will be less effective at cavity prevention as time goes on. To get the most of your sealants and fillings, you’ll need to practice consistent proper oral hygiene. You should also visit Deer Park Dental Group at least once every six months for a dental exam and cleaning. Your dentist will be able to determine if your sealants and fillings need repair or replacement while they care for your smile.
At Deer Park Dental Group, our dentists can help you protect and repair your teeth. While sealants offer an affordable, non-invasive method to help prevent cavities, composite dental fillings can repair your teeth while preserving their natural look. We proudly offer fillings and sealants to patients from Deer Park, TX.
If you’re interested in learning more about fillings and sealants, contact Deer Park Dental Group at (281) 930-8744. You can also schedule an appointment by using the form below, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.
The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment with our Deer Park dentists. Deer Park Dental Group is accepting new and returning patients from our home location of Deer Park, TX.
Schedule an appointment with the best dentists in Deer Park by dialing (281) 930-8744. You can also fill the form at the bottom of the page and one of our friendly staff will get back to you shortly.
Your dental care experience is fully personalized at Deer Park Dental Group. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will address every question and concern.
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