Do you have a small cavity that needs to be repaired? A tooth colored filling from Modern Dentistry Associates is a great way to protect that tooth from further damage. These biocompatible fillings are safe and easy to place, and they match well with your natural tooth color.
Our tooth colored fillings, also called composite fillings, can also be used for patients who would like to get rid of old metal fillings and replace them with a more natural-looking option. We use advanced composite and porcelain dental materials to create tooth-colored fillings that look great and last many years.
Fillings are the most frequently used dental treatment at our center. They offer a strong defense against the spread of decay and are very effective for providing protection for teeth that have been problematic.
St. Joseph cosmetic dentist Dr. Andrea Godawa is often able to prevent additional tooth damage from cavities by catching decay during regular checkups and treating areas of decay with tooth-colored fillings to prevent tooth destruction. A porcelain inlay or onlay, a stronger type of filling that offers more tooth coverage, may be recommended if a regular filling is not sufficient.
Dr. Godawa can place your filling in one short office visit. First, your teeth and gums in the treatment region will be numbed to eliminate any discomfort you may experience. Next, he will drill out the decayed area of your tooth and replace it with a tooth-colored filling.
Your lips and gums may be numb for several hours after your procedure has been completed. Be careful when chewing during this time to prevent injuring your mouth.
If you need a filling to repair a tooth that has been affected by decay, take the time to consider all of your options. While metal fillings are still available from many dental practices, Modern Dentistry Associates uses only tooth colored fillings. We feel that composite material is far more advantageous than metal, and we want to make sure our patients get their fillings right the first time for optimal appearance and health.
A composite filling is a dental restoration designed to fill in a tooth after all decay been removed. The term “composite” refers to the material used. Composite resin is a mixture of plastic and silicon dioxide (glass), which creates a finished product that is both lifelike and strong.
Composite fillings, also called white fillings, can be used to repair front and back teeth and are able to withstand heavy biting pressure. The material is such a success because it bonds to the tooth well, restoring full strength and functionality.
Composite fillings are usually performed in just one visit. The first step in a filling treatment is to prepare the tooth. St. Joseph cosmetic dentist Dr. Andrea Godawa uses special tools to gently remove the area of your tooth that has been affected by decay.
Next, the composite material is applied delicately in layer form. A special light is targeted on the area to harden each layer. Once all the layers are applied, the composite is further shaped and any excess material is removed. The final filling is polished for an attractive, durable result.
Although composite fillings are priced higher than metal fillings, we feel the benefits far outweigh the cost. An investment in composite fillings protects your teeth from serious damage that can require thousands of dollars in repairs.
Insurance companies often pay at least a portion of the cost of tooth colored fillings, assuming their purpose is functional and not strictly cosmetic. Give our office a call with your health insurance information and we would be happy to let you know how much of your procedure will be covered. We accept some major credit cards and the healthcare financing option CareCredit as a method of payment as well.
If you need one or more composite fillings, Modern Dentistry Associates can provide you with an exceptional quality restoration that will last for many years. We perform every procedure with extremely high standards of care. There is no such thing as a “routine treatment.” Every filling we place is performed with true personalization and attention to detail. We utilize our extensive training to ensure perfect results are returned with every tooth colored filling treatment.
A dental inlay or onlay is a tooth colored filling that covers more surface area of a tooth than a standard filling. Crafted from porcelain or composite resin, these restorations revive a tooth by improving its strength and structure for better function. It also provides protection against additional decay. Because they are colored to match natural tooth shade, they are a very effective way to enhance the appearance of a tooth as well.
Dr. Andrea Godawa suggests porcelain inlay or onlay restorations when a dental filling is inadequate, but a more invasive restoration like a dental crown seems excessive. Inlays and onlays are typically recommended when there is a large cavity or a tooth has been damaged in a fall, sports injury, or other type of injury. If you have large fillings that are no longer serving your tooth because they have broken down or suffered too much wear, an inlay or onlay can restore full tooth strength. Porcelain inlays and onlays are also used to replace outdated metal fillings for a more natural look.
The main difference between a porcelain inlay and onlay involves the area covered by the restoration. Porcelain inlays lie entirely within the cusps on the chewing surface of your tooth, while onlays cover one or more of the cusps. Dr. Godawa will recommend the appropriate restoration based on the extensiveness of the damage in your tooth.
Restoring a tooth with a dental inlay or onlay can allow you to regain the full biting strength and overcome any eating or speech problems that resulted from the tooth problem.
Completion of a new dental inlay or onlay typically takes our team two appointments. During your first visit, we will take digital impressions of the region to be treated. These impressions are sent to our lab and used to craft your new inlay or onlay. In the meantime, a temporary inlay or onlay is created to protect your tooth while your new restoration is being made.
We remove any damaged or diseased tooth structure. After the tooth is cleaned, it is prepared using a gentle tool. Then, the temporary inlay or onlay is adhered to the tooth.
When you return to our office for your final visit, we will check to see that the new restoration fits into your bite correctly. Any adjustments are made and your inlay or onlay is bonded in its place. At this time, we will instruct you on proper care of your restoration.
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