Protect Your Smile from Decay with Our Mill Creek and Snohomish WA Dentist
When treating a cavity, the decayed portion of your tooth must be removed and replaced with a filling. This common procedure, known as a dental filling, involves using various materials to restore the tooth's strength and appearance. At Caring Family Dentistry, our Snohomish WA dentist offers two main types of fillings: composite fillings and amalgam fillings.
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are especially popular due to their natural appearance. The material used for composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of your teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas, such as front teeth. They also provide good durability, particularly for small to medium-sized cavities, and require removing less tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings. For patients looking to maintain the aesthetics of their smile, composite fillings are a go-to solution offered by our Snohomish WA dentist.
When Are Composite Fillings Used?
Composite fillings are versatile and can be used in various situations, including:
• Repairing decayed teeth (cavities)
• Fixing chipped or broken teeth
• Reducing gaps between teeth
These fillings are ideal for patients seeking a restoration that blends seamlessly with their natural teeth.
How the Procedure Works
When you visit our Snohomish WA dentist office for a composite filling, we will begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once the area is numb, one of our skilled dentists will carefully remove the decayed portions of the tooth to prevent further damage.
Next, a bonding agent is applied to open the pores of the tooth, which enhances the bond between the tooth and the filling. This bonding agent is then hardened using a special curing light. Afterward, the dentist will apply the composite material in thin layers, gradually building the filling to restore the tooth’s natural shape. Once the filling is fully formed, it will be hardened and polished to ensure a smooth finish that fits comfortably with your bite.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Choosing composite fillings offers several benefits:
• Aesthetic appeal due to their tooth-colored nature
• Preservation of more natural tooth structure
• Strong, durable protection for your tooth
Our Snohomish WA dentist provides high-quality, natural-looking fillings to restore your smile. Contact us today by calling (425) 745-6310 to schedule an appointment and learn more about composite fillings for your dental needs.