Tooth-Colored Fillings near Las Vegas, NV

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that develop when bacteria attack the teeth's enamel. In the past, cavities were treated with a material called amalgam, a mixture of metals, such as mercury or silver. We now know that amalgam fillings do not bond fully with the teeth, and the mercury may be hazardous to your general health. At Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi uses tooth-colored fillings made with a composite resin to fill cavities and protect the damaged tooth. Dr. Tozzi can also remove metal fillings and replace them with tooth-colored fillings for a more reliable hold and natural look. If you live in or around Las Vegas, NV, reach out to our practice today to set up a private consult with Dr. Tozzi. 

A tooth-colored filling placed by Dr. Tozzi can restore and preserve your beautiful smile with some great benefits that include:

• Addresses and treats tooth damage and decay
• Uses no heavy metals
• Fast and easy procedure
• Durable and long-lasting
• Preserves the natural look of your teeth

Composite resin tooth-colored fillings usually fill in the decay in the enamel of the tooth once it has been cleaned out by Dr. Tozzi. Composite resin is a useful material that may be used to correct other problems with your teeth, including chips or excessive wear on the enamel by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the composite resin is colored to blend with your natural teeth, fillings may be placed on the back and front teeth for a great result. If you have metal fillings, talk to Dr. Tozzi about having them taken out and replaced with composite resin.

Getting a filling with composite resin at Michaela Tozzi, DMD is generally a simple treatment. At the start of your procedure, the target area will be numbed to minimize your discomfort. Stronger forms of sedation can be incorporated to help keep you relaxed during the procedure, especially if you have extreme dental anxiety. Once you are ready, the decayed enamel will be treated using a special drill that Dr. Tozzi will select based on the location of the cavity and the level of decay. After the enamel is treated and the tooth is disinfected, the cavity will be filled with the composite resin and hardened with a specialized light. Dr. Tozzi will polish the filling so it matches your natural teeth.

You will be able to resume your normal day once your procedure is complete, but you may have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days. You may take over-the-counter pain medicine to address discomfort; however, you should not have any serious issues. If your filling seems too high or uneven, please call our office. Your tooth-colored filling should be cleaned by following a normal home oral care routine, including daily brushing and flossing. At your annual exam, Dr. Tozzi will assess your filling to determine if it should be replaced or repaired at any point.

Composite resin fillings are a common treatment for cavities that are usually covered partially by dental insurance. A member of our team will contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage so we can calculate your bill. If you do not have dental insurance, our team can go over all the different payment forms we accept and provide information on low-interest medical financing. Our office will do all we can to work with you to help make your treatment affordable.

How long do tooth-colored fillings usually last?

Unless it is damaged, a tooth-colored filling will typically last for 7 – 12 years before it will need to be replaced.

Are tooth-colored fillings safe?

Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin that is generally considered safer than the traditional amalgam fillings, which contain a mixture of metals that includes silver and mercury. This amalgam may not fully bond with the tooth allowing the mercury, which may be hazardous to your health, to absorb into your body.

How long does it take to get a tooth-colored filling done?

Depending on the size and location of the cavity, getting a tooth-colored filling can take between 30 minutes to an hour.

Cavities may begin as a normal problem, but it's important to have them treated before they become a larger concern. At Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV, small areas of tooth decay can be addressed with composite resin fillings. Dr. Tozzi matches the shade of your teeth so you can have a seamless, healthy smile. If you think you or a family member is experiencing dental pain due to cavities, call our office to schedule a comprehensive dental exam with Dr. Tozzi. She can perform a full dental assessment and create a treatment plan to help get your oral health back on track.