Protect Your Smile From Cavities With Our Pineville Dentist
Cavities are small holes that develop in the teeth as a result of poor oral hygiene and several other factors. Teeth affected by cavities have weakened enamel, which leaves your smile vulnerable to decay and other serious complications.
At Locke Family Dentistry, our restorative dentist in Pineville, Dr. Virginia Locke, offers tooth-colored fillings for patients looking to restore their smile and protect it from bacteria. Read on to learn how our mercury-free fillings can support and restore your oral health. We proudly provide expert restorative dental care to patients in the Rapides Parish area, including Natchitoches, Boyce, and Alexandria, LA.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are made from a safe dental-grade resin that our dentist Dr. Locke can customize to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth. This natural-looking restoration fills in the space left by cavities to protect your teeth from further damage and decay.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are several advantages to tooth-colored fillings that make them the superior option over amalgam fillings. Some benefits of this resin-based restoration include:
- Preserves Tooth Structure: Tooth-colored fillings require the removal of less enamel than silver fillings, which maintains the tooth’s natural structure.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: With proper care, tooth-colored fillings can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced, and they are made to withstand your daily activities.
- Natural Appearance: Unlike silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth for a seamless blend with your smile.
- Mercury-Free: Tooth-colored fillings don’t contain mercury like silver fillings, so they won’t leak and stain your teeth and gums over time.
When Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Necessary?
Tooth-colored fillings are ideal for patients looking to restore their teeth without sacrificing their beautiful smile. Dr. Locke may recommend fillings to patients suffering from:
- Broken or lost fillings
- Teeth impacted by cavities
- Severe tooth damage or decay
- Persistent toothaches
If you suspect you may need a filling, don’t wait to seek treatment. Cavities and tooth decay can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated. Call our Pineville office at (318) 448-3804 to schedule a consultation with our expert dentist. She’ll assess your situation and determine if fillings are right for you.
Placing Your Tooth-Colored Filling
You can achieve a restored smile in just one appointment at our Pineville office, depending on how many fillings you need. Dr. Locke will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. She’ll then gently remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth to make room for the filling.
Our restorative dentist in Pineville, LA will then place and mold the composite resin, making sure to match the shape and size of your surrounding teeth. A special light will then be applied to harden the resin. This process is completed in layers to ensure a durable filling.
Once you’re satisfied with the appearance and fit of the filling, Dr. Locke will finish the procedure by applying polish. You’re then ready to leave our Pineville office with a beautifully restored smile that’s protected from cavities!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I replace my silver filling with a tooth-colored filling?
If you have a metal-based filling, you may be able to replace it with a tooth-colored filling. During your initial consultation, Dr. Locke will perform a thorough evaluation of your current fillings and oral health. She’ll determine if it’ll be safe enough to replace your silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
Tooth-colored fillings can last five to 15 years with proper care. This includes practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day along with rinsing between meals. It’s also recommended that you schedule biannual appointments at our Pineville office for regular cleanings and exams. This will ensure both your oral health and fillings are in good condition.
Does receiving tooth-colored fillings hurt?
Receiving fillings is a virtually painless experience. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Locke will administer a local anesthetic to numb the targeted teeth and surrounding areas.
You may experience slight discomfort after the numbness subsides, but any pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
However, if the pain persists past two to four weeks, it may be a sign of a complication. Schedule an appointment at our Pineville office immediately so Dr. Locke can assess your situation and relieve you of any painful symptoms.