Composite Fillings
As you probably know, fillings are the most common and effective way to treat dental cavities. These restorations can save the healthy portion of your tooth and preserve your overall oral health. Dr. Stephen K. Malone only uses natural-looking composite fillings at his Knoxville practice. These advanced fillings will not only match your teeth; they also will protect and strengthen your teeth better than traditional metal fillings. To learn more about composite fillings and their importance for your overall health, contact our office today.
The Importance of Dental Fillings
A cavity begins when bacteria and sugars interact to form acid. The acid will eat away at your dental enamel, allowing bacteria to access the underlying layers of your tooth. Without treatment, the bacteria will continue to spread. They could eventually destroy your entire tooth. They could also spread to your roots and even to your surrounding teeth. Bacteria could also move below your gum line, causing periodontal disease. The filling procedure will eradicate bacteria and save your surrounding tissues. The filling itself will also strengthen the outer walls of your tooth to restore your dental function.
The Filling Procedure
Before placing a filling, Dr. Malone will use local anesthetic to numb your tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Then he will remove all bacteria and damaged material, and he will clean out the inside of your tooth. If decay extends close to your dental root, he may line the inside of the cavity. Composite resin comes in a range of tints, and Dr. Malone will choose the color that is most similar to the natural shade of your smile. To ensure a strong and long-lasting bond, he will lightly etch the inside of your tooth, and he will apply a bonding agent. Then he will place the composite filling layer by layer. When he has completely filled in the cavity, he will use a curing light to harden the material. Finally, he will trim and polish the filling to give it a highly lifelike appearance.
Why Choose Composite Fillings?
In the past, fillings were always made of metal, including gold and silver amalgam. Although these materials will strengthen your teeth and stop bacteria from spreading, composite offers a number of significant advantages. First, the material looks highly realistic. In many cases, metal will start to show through your teeth after several years. As a result, your smile will have a slightly gray tint. Composite resin, on the other hand, is virtually indistinguishable from your natural dental material. Additionally, composite will bond with your tooth better than metal. In this way, it can more effectively prevent future dental damage. Finally, metal will expand and contract with changes in temperature. Over time, this can severely weaken the outer walls of your teeth. Composite resin will remain stable, even when exposed to heat and cold.
If you already have a filling, Dr. Malone can replace it with composite resin. In this way, you can enjoy the many benefits of this advanced material.
Contact Our Office
If you are suffering from a cavity, do not delay the treatment you need. Contact our office today to learn more about tooth-colored fillings and to schedule your appointment. Dr. Malone and his team treat patients from Powell, Karns, Farragut, Seymour, Maryville, Oak Ridge and the surrounding areas.