Downtown Dental
General Dentists located in Downtown, Rapid City, SD
Cavities are holes in your teeth that require fillings to prevent additional decay, damage, and tooth loss. Over half of children aged 6-8 have had a cavity in their primary teeth, while nearly 90% of adults over age 20 have had at least one cavity. At Downtown Dental, Michael Krump, DDS, uses tooth-colored fillings to restore your teeth to their original cosmetic state and help prevent future problems. Call the practice in Rapid City, South Dakota, to schedule a dental cleaning or exam or use the online booking tool.
(605) 342-4882Tooth Colored Fillings Q&A
What are tooth-colored fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings refer to a dental restoration material used to fill holes in your teeth, called cavities. These fillings replace the drilled portion of the tooth structure after a cavity is treated.
Many patients are opposed to gold or silver amalgam materials for filling because they're highly visible when speaking or smiling. Downtown Dental offers tooth-colored restorations so that patients can address the medical issue of a cavity while maintaining the cosmetic appearance of their teeth.
Why would I need tooth-colored fillings?
Fillings protect teeth from decay after a cavity is treated. If you have a cavity and don't pursue treatment with a filling, it will likely continue to decay and lead to more severe oral health issues like gum disease, root canals, or even tooth loss.
Cavities are an inexpensive tooth restoration option, but you will need more expensive repairs to preserve your teeth or replace missing teeth if you wait.
While there are many options for the material to fill cavities, many patients prefer tooth-colored fillings as they aren't as conspicuous as metallic fillings.
How are tooth-colored fillings placed?
Your dentist first numbs the area around the tooth needing a filling with a local anesthetic. Next, the decay is removed from the tooth to prepare the site for the filling. After the decay is removed, your dentist prepares the cavity by cleaning it of any bacteria or debris.
The filling material is added in layers for tooth-colored fillings while a special light is used between each layer to harden it. After the final layer is placed, your dentist polishes the material to match your tooth.
Your bite is checked to ensure your teeth come together naturally. If there is a problem with your bite, the composite material is trimmed and reshaped.
If you think you have a cavity, call Downtown Dental or use the convenient online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.