Dental Filling Louisville, KY

Cavities are a common dental concern among patients and can develop when harmful oral bacteria create a hole in the enamel. After the bacteria is removed and the cavity is cleaned, the hole in the enamel must be filled. In the past, cavities were filled with amalgam, a mixture of different metals such as silver or mercury. Today, dentists understand that these fillings don't bond very well with enamel, not to mention the dangers of mercury fillings to your health. At MINT dentistry in Louisville, KY, we are committed to giving our patients state-of-the-art treatments that improve their oral health while keeping their smiles stunning. This is why our modern dental facility treats dental cavities with tooth-colored fillings. These advanced dental restorations are made from a composite resin and are used to fill cavities after being shaded to blend seamlessly into your natural enamel. The experienced, board-certified MINT dentists in Louisville, KY are dedicated to providing your entire family with superior care for dental cavities with tooth-colored fillings that won't detract from your beautiful smile.

For over a hundred years, a metal-based material called amalgam was used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. These amalgam fillings, which contain a combination of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper, were the only option available to treat a dental cavity and restore the tooth. Unlike composite fillings, opening your mouth wide to yawn, laugh, or talk means these silver fillings are very noticeable. Although many individuals still have silver fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use composite resin fillings to restore your dental health and match the natural color of your teeth for an enhanced smile.

Small cavities can be treated with composite fillings once the decay has been cleaned out of the enamel. Composite resin is a versatile material that can also treat other problems with the teeth, like sealing small cracks or building up enamel that has been worn down by grinding your teeth. Since the composite resin is shaded to match your teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be placed on both the visible and back teeth for a seamless appearance. If you have metal fillings, speak with your Louisville, KY dentist about replacing them with tooth-colored fillings.

By utilizing cutting-edge technology, filling cavities at MINT dentistry is a quick and easy treatment. Before beginning your procedure, we'll show you how to use the massaging feature on our comfortable treatment chair, allowing you to choose the music that will play during the treatment. The treatment area(s) will then be numbed using local anesthesia so you won't feel any discomfort. Stronger sedation options can be discussed with one of our MINT dentists if you have any fears or dental anxieties to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Once you're prepped and relaxed, the decayed enamel will be carefully removed with a state-of-the-art drill. After removing the decayed area and cleaning the tooth, the space can be sealed with composite resin and set with a special light. We will then polish the filling so it feels smooth.

Once the filling has been set, it will leave a hard surface, so you should be able to return to your regular diet and activities after your treatment. Some patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but that should wear off soon. You may take non-prescription pain medication if you feel like you need it, but most patients have no discomfort. We strongly recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment after getting a filling so adjustments can be made if your bite has been altered. Complications with your bite are almost unavoidable since the patient’s mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia, but it is usually a quick, simple fix. To keep your new tooth-colored filling clean, follow a home oral care routine that includes daily brushing and flossing. During your annual dental exam, your dentist will assess your filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point. Tooth-colored fillings usually look natural and last for a long time. To keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, it is important to attend regular dental cleanings and examinations with our team of MINT dental professionals in Louisville, KY

Depending on your insurance policy, tooth-colored fillings may be partially covered. A member of our MINT dentistry team will contact your insurance provider to check how much your insurance will cover and then calculate your out-of-pocket cost. For patients without insurance, we can review the payments accepted by our practice during your consultation and medical financing options. MINT dentistry believes that every patient in Louisville, KY deserves a healthy, beautiful smile, and we're committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Ask us about how your routine cleanings and treatments, like tooth-colored fillings, are priced under our exclusive MINT Discount Plan.

Turn to MINT dentistry for world-class care when you need a safe and effective way to treat a cavity. Thanks to cutting-edge tools and advanced techniques, a tooth-colored filling can quickly and easily treat a small area of tooth decay. MINT dentistry's board-certified dentists will shade the filling to match your teeth so you have a seamless smile and better oral health. If you have signs of a cavity, contact MINT dentistry in Louisville, KY to schedule an oral health exam.