Composite Fillings in Richmond TX

Composite Fillings

Think you have a cavity and in need of a filling? We all try to avoid it, but many of us end up getting cavities. This decay can spread deeper into the tooth over time and cause a lot of damage and pain. What can be done to fix it?

Treating cavities as quickly and early as possible is the best solution. With early intervention, they can be fixed with a simple, beautiful composite restoration. Also known as “tooth colored fillings,” composite restorations look natural and blend in with the rest of the tooth. They are not visible, like the older, silver fillings that were popular a long time ago.

If you’re in need of a filling and are looking for a dental clinic in Richmond, TX, give us a call or schedule online. If you have any more questions about fillings, read on to find out more.

How come my cavity doesn't bother me?

Tooth decay happens at a gradual pace, and it’s easy to go unnoticed. However, cavities do sometimes let you know they’re there. If you ever feel sensitivity while eating sweets, that’s your tooth’s way of letting you know it may have a cavity. However, even if you don’t feel anything, you may still have a cavity. Oftentimes, a tooth will show symptoms when the decay gets very close to the pulp. By that time, it may already be too late to do a filling, and you may need a root canal instead.

What happens if I leave the cavity alone?

Tooth decay that is left untreated will continue to grow, slowly traveling closer to the tooth’s pulpal tissue. Cavities do not travel in a straight line, but outward from their point of entry in a circular shape. Consequently, by the time they reach the center of the tooth, they have also destroyed a large portion of the tooth’s crown. A tooth with advanced decay will often require a root canal and crown to repair it. As with many other things in life, it’s better to tackle a cavity early on, instead of putting it off for later.

I don't want a silver filling!

Relax! At Highline Dental we only do composite, or tooth-colored, fillings. Although amalgam (silver) fillings are perfectly reliable and durable, we prefer composite restorations due to their aesthetics. We want our patients to feel good about their smiles, and that can only be accomplished with composite fillings. However, don’t get the wrong impression: composite fillings are durable and more than adequate at protecting your teeth.

I got a big piece of tooth missing. Can we do a filling?

Composite restorations are great at fixing teeth, but for repairing small areas. If your tooth is missing a significant amount of structure, a crown may be a better option. Oftentimes, attempting to restore a large portion of tooth structure with filling material can have a negative long-term effect. The tooth will lack proper support and have an increased risk of fracture down the line. In order to determine whether a filling or a crown is the best option for your tooth, a comprehensive evaluation would be necessary. Please give our office a call to find out more.