Tooth cavities are common problems that develop when bacteria eat away at your enamel. If discovered, tooth cavities require restorative treatment that can be provided at a dental office. Home remedies will not help cure the cavities. And if left untreated, it may need advanced procedures to save your tooth.

At Shepherd Dental PC, we use tooth-colored fillings made with a composite resin to fill cavities and protect the tooth. Composite fillings help create healthier teeth and give a more pleasing smile to our patients.

What Is a Composite Resin Filling?

Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings composed of a plastic and glass mixture and help fill in a cavity. They can also be used to fix worn-out, chipped, or cracked teeth. Composite fillings blend in seamlessly with the rest of your natural teeth and thus ensure the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

Why Should You Choose Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are the preferred choice of dental fillings because they have the following qualities:

Appearance

Composite fillings are colored like natural teeth and are flexible, making them an appealing and smart option for reinstating the shape and look of your teeth.

Strength

Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are secured directly to the teeth, which makes them more resilient and long-lasting on your teeth.

Safety

Silver fillings contain mercury that can be harmful to your body. On the other hand, composite fillings are composed of safe components that do not carry the risk of cracking or changing shape due to variations in temperatures.

How Are Composite Fillings Placed?

Composite fillings are typically placed in one dental appointment. We will first numb the affected tooth before going ahead with the removal of the decay. Once the decay is completely extracted, we will thoroughly clean the space and prepare the tooth for the filling placement. If any decay were present near the tooth's nerve, a particular medication would be applied for additional protection. The composite filling will then be accurately packed into the hole, shaped to look like the section of the tooth it replaced, and polished smooth, restoring your tooth to its previous shape and function.

Experiencing a sensitivity to hot and cold foods a short time after composite fillings are initially placed is common. However, this will subside as soon as your tooth becomes used to the new filling. You will be given aftercare instructions upon completion of your treatment. A proper dental hygiene regime, careful dietary habits, and routine dental visits will prolong the life of your new fillings.

If you are looking for composite fillings, visit our office, Shepherd Dental, at 235 E Hildebrand Ave #100, San Antonio, TX 78212 or call at (210) 820-0400 and schedule an appointment.