Dental Filling South Holland, IL

Most of our patients share the same concern: dental cavities, which form when the enamel of your teeth becomes damaged over time by bacteria. To treat the cavity, the bacteria must be cleaned out before the cavity is filled. Not too long ago, cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which was made with different combinations of metals, including silver, gold, and mercury. Now, dental professionals realize that these types of fillings do not adhere well to dental enamel and that mercury could be dangerous to your health. MINT dentistry in South Holland, IL is focused on giving our patients top-of-the-line solutions that improve their oral health while keeping their smiles stunning. For this reason, MINT dentistry uses tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities in your enamel. An advanced dental restoration, tooth-colored fillings are made with a composite resin and fill in cleaned-out cavities while blending with your natural teeth to match your gorgeous smile. Our team of experienced, board-certified MINT doctors in South Holland, IL are committed to treating you and your family with the highest-quality dental care for dental cavities with tooth-colored fillings that won't detract from your beautiful smile.

In use for more than 150 years, amalgam fillings were made from a metal compound and were used to fill cavities and treat tooth decay in millions of patients worldwide. For a long time, amalgam fillings (which contain a mixture of metals such as copper, mercury, silver, and tin) were the only available material to fill the enamel after a cavity had been removed. Compared to modern, composite resin fillings, opening your mouth wide to yawn, laugh, or talk means these old amalgam fillings are easy to see. Although some people still have amalgam fillings, our team of experienced MINT dentistry professionals uses tooth-colored fillings to treat tooth decay and give you a smile that's healthy and dazzling.

After your MINT dentistry team member sterilizes a cavity in your tooth, a filling will often be needed to close the opening in the enamel. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to treat other problems with the teeth — for instance, closing cracks or strengthening worn-down enamel caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the material is colored to blend with your enamel, tooth-colored fillings can be placed on both the visible and back teeth for a seamless appearance. If you're concerned about old amalgam fillings, speak with a member of the South Holland, IL MINT dentistry team about getting them removed and replaced with fillings made with composite resin.

Thanks to the advanced technology used at our state-of-the-art MINT dentistry office, getting a tooth-colored filling is typically a simple procedure. Before beginning your procedure, a team member will help you relax in a massaging treatment chair, allowing you to decide on what you want to listen to while they work. We'll then numb parts of your mouth with a local anesthetic to minimize your discomfort. If you have any special fears or anxieties about dental treatment, you can speak with your MINT team of dental professionals to review additional options for sedation. Once you're prepped and relaxed, the decayed area will be carefully removed with a technologically advanced drill. After the affected enamel is eliminated and the surrounding enamel is cleaned, the cavity can be sealed with the composite material and set. Our dental team will then polish the filling so it blends with your other teeth and feels smooth.

Once the composite resin material is placed, we will immediately cure it to create a firm surface, allowing you to get back to your normal diet as soon as you leave our office. You might have some sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for 1 – 3 days, but that should wear off soon. You can take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if necessary, but most patients have little to no discomfort. We strongly recommend you come back for an adjustment after getting fillings to make sure your bite has not been altered. Complications with your bite are almost unavoidable because your mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia; however, it is easy to fix. Just call our office. Tooth-colored fillings should be cared for with a home oral care routine that includes daily brushing and flossing. At your regular appointments for cleanings, your dentist will inspect your tooth-colored filling and decide if it should be repaired or replaced. Fillings made with composite resin material usually look natural and last for a long time. To maintain your oral health, it's important to schedule professional cleanings twice a year with our team of MINT dental professionals in South Holland, IL

Tooth-colored fillings are commonly used to treat cavities and are often covered at least in part by dental insurance policies. The financial team at MINT dentistry will speak to your insurance company to determine your exact coverage before calculating your personal cost. For patients without insurance, the MINT dentistry support staff will talk to you about the payments accepted by our practice during your consultation, as well as medical financing options. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in South Holland, IL get sexy teeth, and we're committed to making it easy for everyone to fit dental care into their budget. Ask your dentist for more information on how the MINT Discount Plan can make your dental care more affordable.

When you get a cavity, tooth-colored fillings at MINT dentistry are a great way to help you maintain the health and look of your gorgeous smile. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, a tooth-colored filling can quickly and easily treat a small area of tooth decay. Our skilled dental professionals will match the color of your natural teeth to give you an attractive, healthy smile. If you or a member of your family may have a cavity, contact our MINT dentistry office in South Holland, IL to schedule an appointment for an exam and consultation.