Dental Filling Cincinnati, OH

Cavities, one of the most common oral health issues, develop when bacteria break down the enamel. After the bacteria is removed and the cavity is cleaned, the hole in the enamel must be filled. Previously, dental cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was made with different combinations of metals, including silver, gold, and mercury. Today, dental professionals realize that these types of fillings don't adhere well to dental enamel, plus mercury-based fillings can be dangerous to your health. At MINT dentistry in Cincinnati, OH we are dedicated to providing our patients state-of-the-art treatments that meet their dental needs and give them a sexy smile. This is why our premier dental facility provides tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. These advanced dental restorations are made from a material known as composite resin, which is used to fill cavities while blending with your natural teeth to match your gorgeous smile. The experienced, board-certified MINT dentists in Cincinnati, OH are dedicated to treating your entire family with the highest-quality dental care with tooth-colored fillings for treating dental cavities.

For over 100 years, cavities have been filled with a metal-based compound known as dental amalgams. Amalgam fillings (made from a combination of metals like mercury, silver, tin, and copper) were the only available material to fill the enamel after removing a cavity. Unlike composite fillings, laughing, smiling, or talking with your mouth wide open makes these old, amalgam fillings easy to see. Although some people still have silver fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use composite resin fillings to treat tooth decay for a seamless, beautiful smile.

After it has been cleaned thoroughly, tooth-colored fillings can be used to fill in the cavity found in a tooth's enamel. Composite resin is a versatile dental material that can also treat other problems, like sealing small cracks or strengthening worn-down enamel caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the material is shaded to match your teeth, tooth-colored fillings are placed on both the visible and back teeth for an attractive, seamless smile. If you're concerned about metal fillings, ask a member of the Cincinnati, OH, MINT dentistry team about having them removed and replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

Getting a cavity filled at MINT dentistry is typically a straightforward procedure. At the start of your appointment, a member of our team will help you relax in a massaging treatment chair, allowing you to decide on the music that will play during your procedure. We'll then use a local anesthetic to numb the needed areas of your mouth to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process. Stronger sedation options can be reviewed with one of our MINT doctors to help with any dental fears or anxieties so you can stay relaxed and comfortable. When you're at ease and prepared, the decayed enamel will be carefully removed with a state-of-the-art dental drill. After the affected enamel is removed and the surrounding enamel is cleaned, the hole will be sealed with the composite material and hardened with a special light. We will polish the material, so it blends with your other teeth and feels smooth.

Since the filling will be cured and create a tough surface, when you leave your appointment, you should be able to eat or drink whatever you desire. Some patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for 1 – 3 days, but that should wear off soon. You may take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you feel like you need it, but most patients typically report little to no discomfort. We recommend patients return for an adjustment after getting fillings to keep their dental bite correct. Bite complications are almost unavoidable because your mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia, but it is usually a quick, simple fix. To keep your new tooth-colored filling clean, you should follow a good routine at home, including daily brushing and flossing. During your regular cleaning appointments, your dentist will check your tooth-colored filling and decide if it should be replaced or repaired. Tooth-colored fillings generally look natural and last for a long time. To make sure your teeth remain healthy, it's important to schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations at MINT dentistry in Cincinnati, OH.

Most of the time, insurance will cover the cost of tooth-colored fillings since it is a common treatment for cavities. 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, the MINT dentistry support staff can talk to you about the payments accepted by our practice during your consultation and information on low-interest medical financing. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in Cincinnati, OH get a healthy, beautiful smile, and we are dedicated to making that goal attainable for everyone. Please speak with a member of our team to find out how we can make your dental experience more affordable with the MINT Discount Plan.

To help restore your oral health and enhance your radiant smile, MINT dentistry works to prevent and treat cavities. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, small areas of tooth decay can be treated with tooth-colored fillings. Our skilled dental professionals will match the color of your natural teeth to give you a seamless, healthy smile. If you have signs of a cavity, contact MINT dentistry in Cincinnati, OH to schedule a consultation.