Why would a Wichita Dentist suggest tooth fillings?

A common treatment done at dental practices around the world are tooth fillings. Tooth fillings may be suggested to a patient when they have a cavity, also known as tooth decay. They are also used in situations where patients have cracked, chipped, or otherwise broken teeth that may have been damaged from trauma or habits such as nail biting, teeth clenching, or grinding.

At East Wichita Dentist, our practice focuses on providing patients with cosmetic tooth fillings. These fillings are made of composite resin and are tooth-colored. These are preferred as they blend in with the patient’s smile and provide more of an aesthetic appeal. In the past, silver amalgam was the standard in tooth filling materials, but has now been replaced in many dental practices with this safer, healthier, more cosmetic alternative.

There are many advantages of composite tooth-colored fillings over metal alternatives in addition to cosmetic appearance. Composite fillings bond to the tooth, which provides stronger support and better structural strength. They also require that the dentist remove less tooth enamel than alternative metal fillings, leaving healthy tooth structure in place. Composite fillings are versatile and are used for the restoration of teeth that are worn or damaged, while amalgam fillings are strictly used for tooth decay.

The placement of fillings is a relatively simple, routine procedure. The dentist first anesthetizes the area that is being treated before drilling into the tooth to reach the area of decay. An instrument is used to remove the decay, and then clean and disinfect the area. Then, composite filling is placed in the area, and the tooth is polished down for a beautiful finish.

The team at East Wichita Dentist is committed to ensuring patients enjoy healthy and beautiful smiles for life. When tooth decay occurs, addressing the problem as soon as possible is the best way to maintain oral health and ensure that the problem doesn’t progress further to cause the patient pain and discomfort.

If you are a patient who has considered tooth colored fillings, call East Wichita Dentist today, or schedule an appointment using our online appointment form. We will schedule you in for an initial consultation appointment and examination to determine if fillings are necessary to maintain the health of your smile!