Protect Your Tooth From Cavities
Even a small cavity can put your entire smile at risk if not treated. At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, our dentists Dr. Paul E. Brown and Dr. Chris S. Baran can bring your teeth back to top health with tooth-colored composite fillings. Our fillings are modern solutions designed to blend with the rest of your smile’s natural shade and color.
Read our guide to learn how our restorative dentists can help enhance your smile while protecting your oral health. Our office also serves patients in Pike Creek, Marshallton, and Stanton, DE.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
A tooth-colored filling is a highly-advanced alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings used to repair teeth affected by bacteria, cavities, and minor trauma. Although composite fillings need to be replaced, they can last for 12 to 15 years before needing replacement.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Most patients think composite fillings are only used for cavities, but that’s not the case. In fact, composite dental fillings offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Fixing minor or small cracks
- Stopping decay and preventing infection
- Repairing previous fillings or small holes
- Restoring worn-out or eroded teeth
- Maintaining your tooth’s shape
The Dental Fillings Process
Our dentists can place your composite filling in just one appointment at our Wilmington or Seaford, DE office. Before undergoing the procedure, we may apply a local anesthetic if you have sensitive teeth. Our dentists will remove any sort of decay on your tooth and clean the area thoroughly.
Once the tooth is ready, your dentist will place, shape, and polish the filling to your liking. Your dentist may ask for you to bite down to ensure you don’t feel uncomfortable. Once finished, it’s recommended that you don’t eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes to avoid damaging your new restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth-colored fillings usually last for up to 10 to 15 years with proper care. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily, rinsing after meals using mouthwash, and scheduling biannual visits with your dentist. If your filling ever needs to be replaced, the overall process is relatively simple and can be completed in one appointment.
Not at all! Dental fillings are designed with your tooth’s shape in mind. Your dentist will carefully mold the shape of your tooth-colored filling and smooth it out to ensure it blends seamlessly with your overall smile. After your procedure, you’ll be asked to bite down so that your teeth still feel normal while the filling is in place. Your dentist will make changes if necessary.
It’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible if your dental filling sustains damage. Since your office is familiar with your dental history and unique dental needs, they’ll be able to replace your filling and restore the functionality of your tooth. Don’t try to repair your filling by yourself, as this can potentially cause even more damage to your smile’s overall health.
Most insurance providers will either fully cover or pay for a portion of your tooth-colored filling since it’s considered a medically necessary procedure. The best way to know your benefits and coverage is to contact your carrier for a more accurate understanding. Your dentist should be able to help you with reviewing your insurance and provide you with financial options.
Maintain Your Beautiful Smile With Fillings
Dental fillings aren’t just used for cavities. At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, our dentists use tooth-colored fillings to solve a variety of dental issues including cracks, worn-out teeth, damage caused by injury, and more. Learn how our dental professionals can help transform your smile’s health and appearance with customized fillings. Contact us by calling either our Wilmington, DE office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, DE practice at (302) 536-7589 to schedule your appointment today.
