For many years, metal restorations were the only choice for treating tooth decay, whether you needed a crown or a filling. However, we’re proud to offer our patients in Charles City, IA, a metal-free alternative that can blend in with the rest of their smile. Let’s look at the benefits of our lifelike composite resin fillings.
Tooth Decay and Dental Infection
Our teeth are coated in an outer layer of tooth enamel, the strongest substance in the human body. Despite the strength of our enamel, factors could compromise or damage this layer. For example, poor oral hygiene leads to teeth coated in plaque, a bacterial byproduct that weakens outer enamel and leads to erosion. An injury or sports accident could damage enamel by cracking or chipping the tooth. If you grind your teeth, the pressure could weaken the enamel as well. When the outer layer is compromised, bacteria has access to the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth made of a sensitive and porous material. A cavity then forms, one that leads to toothaches and tooth sensitivity. Without treatment, the spread of decay could mean bacteria coming into contact with the inner pulp, leading to a painful infection and even the risk of tooth loss!
Our Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings
A dental filling halts the progression of tooth decay and protects the smile from infection. To begin, we need to remove the decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. Next, we prepare the composite resin and place the material in several layers. Instead of metal, this material is made from a special blend of glass and acrylic compounds, which means its metal free. We can even shade to material to match the color of your tooth. The dentist shapes the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth to offer a more lifelike appearance. The entire process only takes one visit.
What If I Need a Crown?
If the cavity has grown to a more serious state, then you may need more than a filling. In these situations, we may instead create and place a custom-made dental crown. Often, we use lifelike ceramic to craft them, which means your restoration will blend with your smile. The process takes about two visits to complete, and helps you enjoy a full and beautiful smile. If the tooth in question is in the rear of the mouth, and must absorb greater bite forces, we may use porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia to offer more substantial stability while still ensuring a lifelike restoration.
Do You Have a Cavity?
We’re here to keep that cavity from becoming something much worse! To learn more about our lifelike restorative treatment options, schedule a visit by calling Central Park Dentistry in Charles City, IA, today at (641) 228-1115. We also proudly welcome patients from Osage, New Hampton, Greene, and all surrounding communities.
