Dental Filling Hammond, LA

You might be concerned about developing dental cavities, which happen when bacteria erode the enamel. To treat the cavity, the bacteria must be cleaned out before the cavity is filled. Previously, cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was made with different combinations of metals, including silver, gold, and mercury. Now, we know that metal fillings don't bond very well with enamel and that mercury could be dangerous to your health. MINT dentistry in Hammond, LA is focused on giving our patients advanced treatments that improve their oral health while keeping their smile stunning. For this reason, MINT dentistry provides tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. An advanced dental restoration, tooth-colored fillings are made with a composite resin and fill in cleaned-out cavities after it is shaded to blend seamlessly into your natural enamel. The experienced, board-certified MINT dentists in Hammond, LA are committed to providing you and your family with the highest quality dental care by treating cavities with tooth-colored fillings.

For almost 150 years, a metal compound called dental amalgam was what dentists used to treat tooth decay and cavities. Amalgam fillings (made from a combination of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper) were the only available material to fill and restore a tooth that had a cavity. Unlike composite fillings, when someone opens their mouth wide to laugh, smile, or talk, these old, amalgam fillings are very noticeable. While many individuals still have amalgam fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use tooth-colored fillings to save the structure of the tooth and give you a smile that's healthy and dazzling.

Once a cavity has been sterilized, the composite resin can be used to fill in the cavity. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to treat other issues with the teeth, including cracks or strengthening worn-down enamel caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the filling is colored to blend with your enamel, tooth-colored fillings can be used on any area of your front and back teeth for an attractive, seamless smile. If you have metal fillings, speak with a member of the Hammond, LA MINT dentistry team about getting them replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

As MINT dentistry uses the latest in cutting-edge technology, getting a cavity treated with a tooth-colored filling is typically a simple process. Before beginning your procedure, a member of our team will help you settle into one of our luxurious, massage-style treatment chairs, then you can decide on the music that will play during your treatment. We'll then numb the needed areas of your mouth using local anesthesia to minimize your discomfort. Other forms of sedation can be reviewed with one of our MINT doctors if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. When you are at ease and prepared, the decayed area will be carefully removed with a state-of-the-art drill. After the affected enamel is eliminated and the tooth is sanitized, the cavity will be filled with composite resin and cured. We will polish the material once it is set so it blends with your other teeth and feels smooth.

After your appointment, the composite resin will be cured and you will be able to return your to regular routine and diet. It's common to have extra sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but this should resolve on its own. You can take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you feel like you need it, but most patients feel little, if any, discomfort. We highly recommend patients come back after getting a filling for an adjustment to keep their dental bite correct. Bite complications are difficult to avoid because the patient’s mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia; however, it is easy to fix. Just call our office. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean with a home oral care routine that includes daily brushing and flossing. At your future exams, your dentist will inspect your filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Fillings made with composite resin material typically look natural and last for a long time. To maintain your oral health, it is important to schedule biannual dental cleanings at MINT dentistry in Hammond, LA.

The cost of tooth-colored fillings is typically covered by dental insurance plans. Our front office will contact your insurance provider to check how much your insurance will cover and then calculate your out-of-pocket cost. For patients without insurance, we can go over the payment methods we accept, as well as medical financing options. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in Hammond, LA get sexy teeth, and we are dedicated to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with a member of our team to find out how your routine cleanings and treatments, like tooth-colored fillings, are priced under our exclusive MINT Discount Plan.

MINT dentistry is here to help make sure your teeth stay healthy and dazzling, even if you get a cavity. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, a tooth-colored filling can quickly and easily treat a small area of tooth decay. MINT dentistry's board-certified dentists will match the color of your natural teeth to give you an attractive, healthy smile. If you or a member of your family may have a cavity in your enamel, contact MINT dentistry in Hammond, LA to schedule an appointment for an exam and consultation.