Dental Filling Joliet, IL

Cavities, one of the most common dental problems, form when bacteria erodes the enamel. To treat the cavity, the bacteria must be cleaned out before the cavity is filled. In the past, cavities were treated with amalgam fillings, which was a combination of several metals like gold and silver. Now, we know that metal fillings do not bond with the teeth well, not to mention the dangers of mercury fillings to your health. MINT dentistry in Joliet, IL is focused on giving our patients top-of-the-line solutions that meet their dental needs and give them a sexy smile. For this reason, our premier dental facility uses tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities in your enamel. These advanced dental restorations are made from a material known as composite resin, which is used to fill cavities once it is tinted to match your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. Our highly skilled and board-certified dental health professionals in Joliet, IL are dedicated to treating your entire family with the highest-quality dental care with advanced treatments like tooth-colored fillings for cavities.

Fillings made with amalgam, a metal compound, were the most common treatment to fill cavities and tooth decay for over one hundred years in millions of patients. These amalgam fillings (which contain a combination of metals including tin, silver, mercury, and copper) were the only available material to fill and restore a tooth that had a cavity. Unlike composite fillings, when someone opens their mouth wide to laugh, smile, or talk, these silver fillings are easy to see. While many individuals still have amalgam fillings, the skilled dentists at MINT dentistry use tooth-colored fillings to restore your dental health and give you a smile that's healthy and dazzling.

Tooth-colored fillings are usually used on patients who have small cavities to fill in the decay in the enamel after it has been sterilized. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to treat other problems with the teeth, including cracks or strengthening worn-down enamel caused by grinding your teeth. Since the composite resin is colored to blend with your teeth, tooth-colored fillings are placed on any tooth for a seamless appearance. If you're concerned about silver fillings, speak with a member of the Joliet, IL MINT dentistry team about having them replaced with fillings made with composite resin.

Since MINT dentistry is equipped with cutting-edge technology, treating a cavity with a tooth-colored filling is usually a simple process. At the start of your appointment, we'll help you relax in a massaging treatment chair, then you can choose the music that will play during your treatment. The areas surrounding the cavity will be then numbed with a local anesthetic to make sure you remain comfortable throughout the process. Other forms of sedation can be reviewed with your dentist to keep you comfortable and relaxed if you have any anxieties or fears about your treatment. Once you are at ease and prepared, the decayed area will be very gently removed with a technologically advanced drill. After the infected enamel is eliminated and the tooth is cleaned, the hole can be sealed with the composite material and cured. We will then polish the filling once it is set so it feels smooth.

You should be able to get back to your regular diet and activities as soon as you want to since the filling will be set, leaving a tough surface. You might be sensitive to extreme hot and cold temperatures for a couple of days, but that should wear off soon. You can take an over-the-counter pain relief medication if you need it, but most patients feel little, if any, discomfort. We strongly recommend you return for an adjustment after getting fillings to ensure the bite is perfect. Bite complications are almost unavoidable since the patient’s mouth has been numbed with local anesthesia, but it is usually a quick, simple fix. Just contact our office. Tooth-colored fillings should be cared for with a home oral care routine including daily brushing and flossing. At your regular appointments for cleanings, we will check your filling and determine if it needs to be replaced or repaired. Fillings made with composite resin material generally last for a very long time and look natural. To keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, it is important to schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations with our team of MINT dental professionals in Joliet, IL

Tooth-colored cavity fillings are generally covered, at least in part, when you use dental insurance. The financial team at MINT dentistry will contact your insurance provider 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 payment methods accepted by our practice during your consultation and provide information on low-interest medical financing. MINT dentistry believes that every patient in Joliet, IL deserves sexy teeth and we are committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with your dentist for more information on how the MINT Discount Plan can make your dental care more affordable.

When you get a cavity, MINT dentistry is there with a treatment to help make sure your teeth stay healthy and dazzling. Using advanced technology and special techniques, tooth-colored fillings can stop tooth decay before bigger problems develop. Our skilled dental professionals will ensure your filling matches your natural enamel for an attractive, healthy smile. If you suspect you or a family member has a cavity, contact MINT dentistry in Joliet, IL to schedule an appointment for an exam and consultation.