Barsanti Dental Group in Arcata, California, believes dentistry can be beautiful, even for common dental restorations. If you have cavities or minor tooth decay, we offer composite (white) fillings to restore your smile without altering its beauty.
Dr. Trish Barsanti only needs one appointment to treat your cavities with composite fillings. The procedure starts with numbing your affected teeth to reduce discomfort during treatment. Next, we remove the decayed portion by drilling and thoroughly eliminating harmful bacteria.
To stabilize your tooth and prevent further damage from bacteria, it is necessary to fill the hole left by the cavity. The process involves applying composite resin in layers to fill the void. Then, we use a curing light to harden the filling material. Afterward, we reshape the filling until your bite feels normal and polish your tooth for a natural appearance.
After the dental procedure, you can use your smile immediately. Nonetheless, if the dentist administered anesthesia, it is advisable to refrain from chewing for approximately two hours until the anesthetic effects wear off. Chewing food or consuming hot beverages while your mouth is still numb may lead to accidentally biting your tongue or burning your soft tissues.
Before you leave, we will guide you on preventive measures to minimize the risk of developing cavities. Generally, this involves adhering to a routine of daily brushing and flossing and reducing your consumption of sugary foods. Additionally, we recommend scheduling biannual dental appointments with our team, who can detect hidden cavities and commence treatment before they cause extensive damage to your teeth.
You might have had or heard about metal (amalgam) fillings. They were pretty popular in the past years, but most dentists don’t use them today. These silver-colored fillings are unsightly and pose several safety concerns.
Dentists like Dr. Barsanti advocate for composite fillings because:
Your tooth-colored fillings are durable, but they don’t last forever. Your composite fillings can last up to 10 years, but it depends. Fillings in your back teeth may have a shorter lifespan because of the daily stress of biting and chewing. Also, size plays a role in the longevity of your fillings. Larger fillings tend to wear out sooner than their smaller counterparts. So, if you have larger cavities, you might want to consider indirect fillings or crowns for restoration.
Extending the longevity of your dental fillings can be within your control. How so? Observing diligent dental care can help your fillings last for years. Generally, brush and floss twice a day, avoid smoking and limit your intake of sugary foods. Finally, consider a mouth guard if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding).
Do you have more questions about white fillings? Are you ready to enjoy the numerous benefits of composite fillings? Please call (707) 388-3880 to schedule a free consultation with Barsanti Dental Group.
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