Tooth-Colored Fillings Indianapolis, IN

When bacteria erode your tooth enamel, cavities can form. While they can be uncomfortable, it is one of the most common dental problems. Once discovered, the cavity needs to be sanitized and then sealed to remove the bacteria to prevent further damage. In the past, dentists fixed tooth decay using amalgam fillings made with combinations of metals, like silver, gold, and mercury. Today, we know that these fillings don't bond well with the teeth and that mercury fillings are dangerous to your health. At MINT dentistry in Indianapolis, IN, we are dedicated to giving our patients advanced treatments that meet their dental needs and give them a sexy smile. For this reason, our skilled dentists treat dental cavities with tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are an advanced dental restoration made from a composite resin that fills in the cleaned-out tooth decay. The resin is shaded to match your natural teeth to give you a gorgeous smile. Our dedicated team of experienced, board-certified MINT doctors in Indianapolis, IN look forward to providing you with a seamless solution for cavities.

For over 150 years, metal-based amalgam fillings were the most common way to fill cavities and tooth decay for patients. These amalgam fillings (containing a mixture of metals like silver, mercury, tin, and copper) were the only available material to fill the enamel after removing a cavity. The old amalgam fillings are easy to see when someone opens their mouth wide to laugh, smile, or talk. But modern composite resin fillings are usually invisible to the eye. While many individuals still have silver fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use tooth-colored fillings to treat tooth decay for a seamless, beautiful smile.

Once our team sterilizes the enamel, composite resin is used to fill the area where the cavity was. Composite resin is a versatile material that can treat other problems with the teeth, like cracks, worn-down enamel due to teeth grinding, and more. Since the composite resin is colored to match your teeth, tooth-colored fillings can be placed on any area of your front and back teeth for an attractive, seamless smile. If you're concerned about metal fillings, ask your Indianapolis, IN dentist about replacing them with tooth-colored fillings.

Having a cavity filled at MINT dentistry is generally a simple procedure. Before beginning the process, we will have you relax in a massaging treatment chair, where you can decide on the music or TV show that will play during your treatment. We'll then numb the treatment area using a local anesthetic so you won't feel discomfort. Our team can review stronger sedation options with you if you have any fears or dental anxieties for additional comfort. Once you are at ease and prepared, our dentist will carefully remove the decayed enamel with an advanced drill. After the decayed area is eliminated and the tooth is sanitized, the space will be sealed with composite resin and set with a special light. After the filling is set, our dental team polishes the area so it feels smooth.

You should be able to eat immediately after your appointment because the filling is cured during your visit, leaving a tough surface. It's common to have extra sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for 1 – 3 days, but this should resolve on its own. You can take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if needed, but most patients experience little to no discomfort. We recommend you return after getting a filling for an adjustment to keep your dental bite correct. Complications with your bite are difficult to avoid because your mouth is numb; however, it is easy to fix. Just contact our office. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean with a good daily brushing and flossing routine. During your regular cleaning appointments, we will inspect your filling and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Fillings made with composite resin generally look natural and last a long time. It's important to attend regular dental cleanings and examinations with a board-certified MINT dentist in Indianapolis, IN to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.

When using insurance, tooth-colored fillings are usually covered by your provider. A member of our MINT dentistry team will speak to your insurance company to determine your exact coverage before calculating your costs. For patients without insurance, we will talk to you about the payment methods we accept and medical financing options. MINT dentistry wants to help everyone in the Indianapolis, IN area get a healthy, beautiful smile, and we're committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Please speak with a team member to find out how the MINT Discount Plan can make your dental care more affordable.

In the case that you have a cavity, MINT dentistry is available with a seamless solution to ensure your teeth stay healthy and beautiful. With modern techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment, tooth-colored fillings can stop tooth decay before more significant problems develop. Our experienced doctors and dental professionals will make sure your filling matches your natural enamel for an attractive, healthy smile. If you or a family member may have a cavity in your enamel, contact MINT dentistry in Indianapolis, IN to schedule a dental exam.