Dental Composite Fillings
Dental Fillings in Sterling, VA
If you suffer from decay or damaged teeth, a dental filling can be used to correct and restore your smile. To schedule an appointment, contact our dental team at PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today!
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are created from various materials to restore decayed or damaged teeth. Dentists use a dental filling to repair the damage, including small cavities in the tooth.
Composite or “tooth-colored” fillings can also be used to fix broken teeth, reshape teeth, and fix gaps between teeth. Silver fillings have been common to use in the past but do not offer the aesthetics that composite fillings do.
If you need restorative services in the Sterling, VA area, our friendly staff at PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is here to help you!
How can tooth decay and damage affect your dental health?
When tooth decay progresses past the outer layers of your teeth, it begins to decimate your dental tissue. Decay can lead to further dental issues, including:
- Tooth loss
- Dental pain
- Gum Disease
- Gum and jawbone recession
- Need for dental treatment such as root canal therapy
- Need for other restorations, such as dental implants, for missing teeth
It is essential to have a regular dental care routine, including visiting your dentist. Preventing decay is important, but early detection and a thorough exam can save a patient time and pain in the long run. If you need a dentist who is not only experienced and professional but offers personal attention to every patient, then visit PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are various materials for repairing dental damage, including amalgam dental fillings and composite dental fillings.
Composite Fillings
Typically, composite dental fillings are referred to as “tooth-colored” fillings. Composite dental fillings are made of a resin that matches the color of your tooth, making them nearly invisible. Composite fillings can be used for a range of restorations and cosmetic procedures in dentistry.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam dental fillings are a durable option that can restore damaged teeth to full strength. This dental filling option is typically recommended for young and middle-aged patients who need small dental restorations.
Amalgam dental filling material combines metals, including silver, copper, and tin. Dental care professionals still widely use amalgam dental fillings because they are relatively inexpensive, but many are straying away from this filling. The metal look is not appealing to many patients, and many patients have metal allergies.
Why do we use composite resin for restorations?
Your filling needs depend on your dental health and your teeth. At PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we recommend composite dental fillings for several restorative cases because they are:
- Free from mercury
- A very natural-looking dental restoration
- Resistant to fracture and wear
- Stronger than dental amalgam fillings
With proper care, composite fillings can last up to 15 years or more without needing replacement. In addition, they are very durable and can be used for even the most minor damage to teeth, where silver amalgam cannot.
Contact PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Sterling, VA, today to schedule an appointment with our dental team!
The Filling Procedure
When dental fillings are necessary, they are performed in a dental office typically within one visit, depending on the procedure.
For fillings required for decay, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area while the dentist removes any debris and decay from the affected area of the tooth. Once the area is cleaned, the dentist will apply a small amount of acid to etch the tooth so that the material bonds correctly. The dentist will then clean the area and apply the resin to the tooth. A special curing light is used to harden the resin, and the dentist will repeat this step until the desired look is complete. Finally, the dentist will check your bite and restore the desired look.
For an exceptional tooth filling procedure in Sterling, VA, visit PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry!
Restorative dentistry
Our dental team is dedicated to exceptional care and excellent service to new patients and current patients. If you are looking for the best dentist in Sterling, VA, who prioritizes oral health and offers comprehensive care for the whole family, schedule a visit with us at PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.
For more information about insurance or our dental services, including restorative and cosmetic dentistry, then please reach out to us today!
