Stop decay and restore your smile with discrete composite dental fillings
If you have never developed a cavity, you are lucky because tooth decay is an ever-present health problem in America. To put this in perspective, about one in four adults in America has at least one cavity. Additionally, more than 80% of Americans will have a cavity by the mid-30s.
If having a cavity doesn’t concern you, the bad news is that it can cost your tooth. Dental cavities start as small pits but can develop into bigger holes if not treated early. When cavities advance, they can lead to tooth loss! Fortunately, you don’t have to go this route. Neal Edwards, DDS in Riverside, California, uses composite fillings to treat dental cavities. This method treats cavities effectively and doesn’t mess up the natural aesthetics of your smile.
The dental filling procedure
A typical dental filling procedure should take about an hour unless you have several teeth being treated. The procedure starts with numbing your gums to minimize discomfort. Then, we drill out the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the area thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Next, Dr. Neal Edwards fills out your tooth with composite resin in layers. We then reshape your filling and harden the material using a curing light. Finally, we check your occlusion and make the necessary adjustments before polishing the filling for a shiner finish. That’s it! The process is quick and simple.
Why we love tooth-colored fillings
Traditionally, dentists have used amalgam fillings to treat cavities. These fillings contain 50% mercury and a blend of other metals, including copper, zinc, and tin. Silver-colored fillings work, but they have safety and aesthetic concerns. Our practice uses metal-free, composite fillings to treat cavities and minor tooth damage. We prefer composite fillings because they offer numerous benefits:
- They are aesthetically appealing
- The composite filling procedure is minimally invasive
- They can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance
- They are bio-compatible — they don’t react with your body
- They don’t change in size when temperatures change
Are you troubled by cavities or tooth damage in Riverside, California? Please dial (951) 614-0033 to schedule an appointment with Neal Edwards DDS to restore your smile with composite fillings.
