Dental Filling in Smyrna, GA

As the most common oral health concern, cavities develop when the enamel is eroded by bacteria. After the bacteria is removed and the cavity is cleaned, the hole in the enamel must be filled. Previously, cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was a mixture of different metals, such as silver or mercury. Today, dentists understand that these types of fillings do not bond with the teeth well, plus there are dangers to your health from mercury-based fillings. MINT dentistry in Smyrna, GA is focused on giving our patients state-of-the-art treatments that improve their oral health and give them a sexy smile. For this reason, MINT dentistry provides tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. These advanced dental restorations are made from a material known as composite resin, which fills in cleaned-out cavities after it is shaded to blend seamlessly into your natural enamel. Our team of experienced, board-certified MINT doctors in Smyrna, GA is dedicated to treating your entire family with superior care by treating cavities with tooth-colored fillings.

Amalgam fillings are a metal-based material that was used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay for more than 150 years in their patients. Amalgam fillings (which contain a combination of metals like mercury, copper, silver, and tin) were the only available material to fill the enamel after a cavity had been removed. Unlike composite fillings, when someone opens their mouth wide to laugh, smile, or talk, these metal fillings are easy to see. Although many individuals still have amalgam fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use composite resin fillings to treat tooth decay and match the natural color of your teeth for an enhanced smile.

Tooth-colored fillings are typically used to fill a cavity after it has been sterilized by a MINT dentistry team member. A versatile dental material, composite resin can also treat other problems, like cracks or building up enamel that has been worn down by grinding your teeth. Since the filling is colored to blend with your natural teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be placed on any tooth for a seamless appearance. If you're concerned about metal fillings, speak with your Smyrna, GA dentist about having them replaced with fillings made with composite resin.

At MINT dentistry, getting a filling for a cavity is typically an easy procedure. At the start of your appointment, a team member will help you settle into one of our luxurious, massage-style treatment chairs, allowing you to decide on what music you want to listen to during the treatment. We'll then numb the needed areas of your mouth with a local anesthetic to minimize your discomfort. Stronger sedation options can be reviewed with your MINT team of dental professionals to keep you comfortable and relaxed if you have any anxieties or fears about your treatment. When you are prepped and relaxed, the decayed enamel will be very gently removed with a technologically advanced dental drill. After the affected enamel is removed and the tooth is sanitized, the hole can be filled with the composite material and cured. Our dental team will polish the material so it blends with your other teeth and feels smooth.

You should be able to get back to your regular diet and activities immediately following the procedure because the filling will be cured, creating a tough surface. It's common to have extra sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but this should resolve on its own. You may take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you need it, but most patients have no discomfort. We strongly recommend patients return after getting a filling for an adjustment to make sure their bite has not been altered. Complications with your bite are difficult to avoid because your mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia but are easily fixed. Just call MINT. Tooth-colored fillings should be cared for with a good routine at home that includes daily brushing and flossing. At your future exams, your dentist will check your tooth-colored filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point. Fillings made with composite resin material typically last for a very long time and look natural. To keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, it's important to schedule biannual dental cleanings at MINT dentistry in Smyrna, GA.

Tooth-colored fillings are a common treatment for cavities that are usually covered in part by dental insurance. The financial team at MINT dentistry will speak to your insurance company to understand your coverage and calculate your remaining cost. For patients without insurance, we can go over the payments we accept, as well as medical financing options. MINT dentistry wants to make sure every patient in Smyrna, GA has a healthy, beautiful smile, and we're dedicated to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with your dentist for more information on how your routine cleanings and treatments, like tooth-colored fillings, are priced under our exclusive MINT Discount Plan.

Cavities can happen to anyone so MINT dentistry performs treatments to help make sure your teeth stay healthy and dazzling. Using advanced technologies and special techniques, a tooth-colored filling can quickly and easily treat a small area of tooth decay. Our skilled dental professionals will make sure your filling matches your natural enamel for a seamless, healthy smile. If you suspect you or a family member have a cavity, contact our MINT dentistry office in Smyrna, GA to schedule a dental exam.