A dental filling preserves the natural tooth. Dr. Mark Sowell chooses this to restore a tooth weakened due to cracks, chips, breaks, or tooth decay. A filling will protect the tooth from further damage and restore strength.
We only use white fillings, also called composite resin fillings, because they are custom-made to the exact color of your natural teeth. We strive to create a natural appearance with every dental restoration.
White Tooth Fillings in Plano, TX
At Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Plano Texas, Dr. Sowell only uses composite white filling material that does not contain any metal. We believe that dental treatment should be safe for our patients no matter what. And we believe that white fillings that match the color and shade of your teeth are more cosmetically acceptable.
White fillings are discreet and blend in with your natural teeth. White composite fillings are highly durable and can last for a lifetime with proper maintenance. Tooth-colored dental fillings also replace metal fillings that may be unsightly in your “smile zone.”
Why Replace Mercury Fillings?
For many years, there has been controversy surrounding the use of mercury in dental fillings. Mercury is toxic to the human body. Many patients have health problems that were eliminated when they had their mercury fillings removed.
Many researchers believe that microscopic particles of mercury actually leak into the body from these fillings. As a result, most dentists no longer use mercury fillings. Some dentists even specialize in mercury filling removal. They know that extra care minimizes mercury particle contamination in the mouth through the removal process.
Seven European countries ban mercury fillings over concerns of systemic toxicity. The literature is mixed, but in the United States, insurance companies are powerful lobbies, and they base their reimbursement on the least expensive solutions, which include mercury silver fillings. They keep them in use so they can keep their reimbursements as low as possible.
The Dental Filling Process
The dental filling process is relatively simple and completed during a single visit to our Plano, TX dentist office. Dr. Sowell will inject a local anesthetic that will make you comfortable and unable to feel pain. Our office offers solutions for patients suffering from dental anxiety or fears about their procedure. The dentist discusses sedation dentistry options with you before your procedure.
Once you are relaxed and comfortable, we remove the decayed or infected tooth structure and gently clean the area. The dentist applies the filling composite resin material and sculpts it into place to create a comfortable and natural biting surface.
The final step is to secure the material with a curing light, which will also seal the filling to prevent future infection. The composite resin material is known for its ability to create a tight seal, preventing bacteria from entering the filling area and threatening the integrity of the tooth.
Dental Filling FAQs
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings can last a lifetime. The general consensus is that dental fillings last between 10 to 15 years. Although, you can live a full life without having to replace a dental filling if you have an excellent oral health routine.
Is it bad to have a lot of fillings?
No. The number of tooth fillings you have does not matter. The more fillings you have, the better off your teeth are. Dental fillings protect your teeth from cavities that could lead to tooth loss. Never judge a mouth by how many fillings it has.
Does a filling weaken a tooth?
No. A filling only makes your tooth stronger by adding support to its structure. A weakened tooth is a tooth with unaddressed cavities and infection.
Do small cavities need to be filled?
Yes. Generally, a dentist will recommend filling a small cavity before it becomes a larger problem. Sometimes (in rare cases), a cavity is too small to spend time filling, so a dentist will monitor it and wait for two to three dental visits before recommending a filling. If you feel sensitivity in your tooth from a “small” cavity, the cavity is actually not that small and needs a filling.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Your dentist in Plano, TX, Dr. Mark Sowell uses white fillings for tooth cavities for the most beautiful results. We are accepting new patients from the greater Frisco, Dallas, Plano, and Southlake County areas. Call your dental practice for a dental exam at (972) 382-6855 or request a dental exam online.