Repair Your Cavity with a Filling
Tooth decay is an infection that occurs when bacteria builds up and turns into plaque or hardened tartar that sticks to your teeth and below your gumline. This can make it difficult to remove with simple brushing and flossing, which is why your oral hygiene appointments are so essential.
When left untreated, tooth decay eats away at your teeth, creating hollow spaces called cavities. Cavities, also known as dental caries, are a threat to your oral health, leading to further infection and even tooth loss if left untreated.
At Progressive Dentistry, Sleep & Wellness, we can remove your decay and restore your tooth with durable composite fillings. This solution will help strengthen your infected tooth and since it’s made of tooth-colored material, it will enhance the appearance of your entire smile.
Tooth-Colored Fillings by Dr. McCoy
Until recently, it was common for dentists to use amalgam fillings to treat cavities. Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of mercury and metal alloy. They’re very noticeable and a lot of patients have health concerns about fillings that contain mercury.
Thanks to advancements in dentistry, we haven’t used amalgam fillings at our practice since 1997. Instead, our fillings are made from a composite resin that’s customized to perfectly match the shade of your natural teeth. Unlike metal fillings, they blend in beautifully with your smile to help you achieve a flawless appearance.
The Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings offer unique benefits, some of which include:
- Appearance — it closely matches your natural tooth color
- Versatility — it can repair a tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or worn down from decay
- Durability — it restores the tooth to full strength
- Protection — it bonds directly to your existing tooth structure, eliminating spaces where cavity-causing bacteria can grow
- Minimally Invasive — a greater portion of your natural tooth structure is preserved compared to other types of fillings
How Dr. McCoy Will Place Your Filling
When we place your composite filling, the process is done in just one visit and is minimally invasive.
Dr. McCoy will first numb the tooth to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process and experience little to no pain. He will clean out the decay from the tooth and remove any dead material so it can be restored to good health.
Once the tooth has been cleaned, Dr. McCoy will place the tooth-colored resin in the tooth and will shape it perfectly to blend in with the rest of your smile.
After the filling is secured and cleaned up, we’ll recommend avoiding hot soups or beverages as well as ice and other crunchy foods to eliminate the risk of breaking your filling. Maintaining good dental hygiene, eating habits, and visiting us in the case of a problem will help the long term success of your composite filling.
Dental Filling FAQs
How long do fillings last?
Depending on the type of filling used, and the health of your surrounding teeth, your dental filling can last for years, sometimes decades. Here at our dental office, we use tooth-colored fillings which last anywhere from five tp 15 years, depending on your care.
Other fillings like gold or amalgam can last anywhere between 10 to 25 years before they need to be replaced.
How is a dental filling replaced?
When it comes time to have your dental filling replaced, there are two main steps. First, Dr. McCoy will numb the area so you don’t feel much and he’ll remove any decay or dead material from your tooth that can’t be saved. Then, the replacement filling will be placed in just minutes.
How do I care for my composite filling?
During the initial recovery period of receiving your composite filling, we recommend you take extra care to ensure it doesn’t break or become loose. This means avoid hot foods or chewing on ice, as well as eliminate crunchy foods from your diet.
Additionally, you should continue a proper oral hygiene routine, follow a well-balanced diet, and visit our office regularly for your dental check-ups.
Will my insurance cover dental fillings?
Generally, most dental insurance providers will also cover the costs of your dental fillings, or at the very least a good portion of the treatment. We also can offer you financial options to help you receive the care you need in case you don’t have dental insurance.
It’s also good to know that most dental insurance providers should cover your annual X-rays and check-ups, crowns, root canals, and other necessary restorative work.
Visit Dr. McCoy for Attractive Composite Fillings
If you notice pain or sensitivity in a tooth, it may be a sign of infection. It’s best to call Dr. McCoy at (610) 358-5690 right away. We’ll diagnose the problem and make the pain go away.
Our trustworthy team can eliminate your tooth decay and leave your smile looking as if you’ve never even had a cavity.