Tooth-Colored Fillings in The Woodlands, TX

Tooth decay is a common but serious dental concern that is caused when bacteria eat away at the tooth, ultimately affecting the wellness of your smile. To combat tooth decay and cavities, Made Ya Smile Dental uses tooth-colored fillings, or composite fillings, that are made with durable material to reestablish your oral health. Tooth-colored fillings can also be used to repair minor damage, such as chipped or fractured teeth, for a more aesthetic appeal. 

Previously, dentists used silver (amalgam) fillings, but we now know that they do not bond as well to the teeth, causing some health risks to patients. Instead, we use composite resin, which is considered a more conservative approach. At our clinic in The Woodlands, TX, our practitioners can even replace older amalgam fillings with tooth-colored fillings. To find out more information, simply call our clinic to schedule an appointment. 

If you have a cavity that needs to be filled or a metal filling that needs to be replaced, a tooth-colored filling is one of your best options. Not only is the filling virtually invisable, they are higher quality than the metal fillings that many people are familiar with. Some advantages of composite resin fillings are:

• Better for your oral and overal health than metal fillings
• Prevents more decay and damage from occuring
• Reduces sensitivity in the tooth
• Long-lasting

Tooth-colored fillings are known to strengthen or rebuild the places where tooth structure has been compromised. Made Ya Smile Dental uses composite fillings to treat the effects of tooth decay, which means we can save as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. If you have minor damage, such as chipped or uneven teeth, or worn enamel due to damage, tooth-colored fillings can be used as a restorative and cosmetic treatment to keep your teeth looking great. Patients with amalgam fillings who want a more natural-looking smile can also visit our practice to switch them out for tooth-colored fillings. To place the filling, our dentists will help you select a shade or color that matches your surrounding teeth. Made Ya Smile Dental places fillings that are long-lasting and smooth.

Placing a tooth-colored filling at Made Ya Smile Dental is a simple procedure that normally takes just one visit. With our years of experience restoring patients back to excellent oral health, we make sure you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If you have anxiety about the procedure, our dentists can offer you sedation options. After numbing the area, our practitioners will remove the decayed parts of the teeth using our state-of-the-art dental equipment. Then, we gently rinse and dry the area before we begin placing the tooth-colored composite material. Our team uses a curing light to harden the filling, then polish it to give it a smooth appearance. Afterward, Made Ya Smile Dental will review instructions for cleaning your teeth and taking care of your smile. 

Receiving a composite tooth-colored filling is a standard and comfortable experience at our clinic in The Woodlands, TX. After the procedure, you can return to your day as normal. If you've opted for a dental anesthetic, however, you should avoid eating or drinking until the feeling returns to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Patients may feel sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, but this should only last for a few days. Call our office if the sensitivity does not go away, if you experience major discomfort or pain, or if the filling feels high when biting down. We may need to schedule an appointment for a quick adjustment if needed. At Made Ya Smile Dental, we will help you review an at-home care routine for you to follow, including daily brushing and flossing. During your yearly exam and twice-yearly cleaning, our team will continue to review your filling to ensure comfort and fit. 

Composite tooth-colored fillings may be covered by a dental health insurance plan based on whether this is a cosmetic or restorative treatment. However, our caring team will contact your provider to understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs for a filling. Made Ya Smile Dental is able to file claims on your behalf and accepts most PPO plans. We also offer many payment options, as well as CareCredit® for third-party financing in The Woodlands, TX. 

Are tooth-colored fillings better than metal fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, or composite resin fillings, have several benefits over metal (amalgam) fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are shaded to match the color of your natural teeth, so they blend in with the rest of your mouth. They also can bond to the enamel better and are more pliable than amalgam fillings, so they are likely to last longer and experience less cracking or damage.

Do tooth-colored fillings actually look like my teeth?
Yes! We will shade your composite filling to match the shade of your teeth before filling your cavity, so it will match seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. You will not have to worry about people seeing your tooth-colored fillings when you laugh, eat, or speak.

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
Composite resin fillings can last up to 12 years as long as they're cared for proparly with a good oral health routine. Brusing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining your annual and bi-annual appointments at our office will all help your filling last as long as possible.

Restore your smile with a simple, effective service at Made Ya Smile Dental in The Woodlands, TX. Our experienced staff knows how to treat tooth decay and minor damage with the use of tooth-colored composite fillings. If not treated right away, you may be dealing with more serious consequences to your oral health in the future so contact us as soon as possible to restore your smile back to health. Schedule your appointment at our practice.