Dental fillings in Manteca, California, effectively resolve numerous dental issues, including cavities and chips. At Family Dental Center of Manteca, Dr. Mircea Mitu and his team use composite fillings to restore your damaged teeth. Instead of amalgams of years past, composite fillings are colored like your natural teeth to maintain the aesthetics of your smile.
How do dental fillings work?
Whether you want a filling for cosmetic or health benefits, the procedure is almost similar. First, the dentist will examine your teeth with X-rays to determine your suitability for a filling. If so, any decay or damage is removed before cleaning the area thoroughly to remove any traces of harmful bacteria.
Next, the dentist will carefully apply the resin material and sculpt it to the desired shape and height to maintain your natural bite. Then, the dentist uses a special curing light to harden the material for long-lasting outcomes. Finally, the dentist checks your bite and polishes your tooth to achieve a smooth, consistent appearance.
What makes composite better than other fillings?
Amalgam fillings were popular because of their durability and ease of placement. Unfortunately, these fillings contain mercury, and their silver appearance looks unnatural. Composite fillings have become now more popular because of numerous benefits, including:
- Aesthetics: White fillings can be shaded like natural teeth, blending seamlessly with the entire smile. Unlike amalgam fillings that stand out when smiling or speaking, tooth-colored fillings are hardly noticeable.
- Safety: Composite fillings are created from acrylic plastic and finely grounded glass. These toxic-free materials are biocompatible, making composite fillings safe for smile restoration.
- Durability: Tooth-colored fillings can last many years. Although their durability depends on location, maintenance, and diet, many fillings can last over 5-8 years.
- Versatility: Composite fillings can withstand everyday chewing and grinding forces to repair damage in the back teeth. Also, composite fillings can restore damage in the front teeth, where aesthetics matter.
- Minimally invasive: Composite fillings bond directly with the tooth, requiring minimal removal of the healthy structure for maximum retention.
How do I care for my filling?
Even though composites are metal-free, they can last several years with proper care. Enjoy durable outcomes by observing the following tips.
- Good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove surface stains and plaque. Floss your teeth daily to eliminate unhealthy deposits from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Visit your dentist regularly: See your dentist every six months or sooner for regular check-ups and cleanings. Dentists can detect and fix dental issues early enough before they advance into significant problems.
- Watch out for your diet: Eat a healthy diet and limit the intake of sugary foods. Also, reduce the intake of red wine, coffee, dark berries, and other strongly pigmented foods because composites can stain.
- Manage poor oral habits: Do you grind your teeth at night? Wear a custom-fitted nightguard to protect your teeth from bruxism-induced damage. Similarly, quit tobacco use to avoid staining your fillings, and don’t use your teeth to chew anything other than food.
Do you need to repair tooth damage?
Family Dental Center of Manteca consistently provides smile repair with restorations that feel and look like natural teeth. If you have tooth decay or other issues, call (209) 420-1205 and schedule your visit today for composite fillings.
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