A dental filling is a general dental procedure that preserves the natural tooth. Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen provide dental fillings to restore weak teeth because of cracks, chips, breaks, and tooth decay. A filling will protect the tooth from further damage and restore its strength.
We only provide composite resin fillings, also called white fillings, that do not contain any metal. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen customize each individual filling so that it matches the exact color of your natural teeth. We strive to create a natural appearance with every dental restoration so that you will love our dental work.
White Tooth Fillings in Plano, TX
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 versus silver amalgam fillings. 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 appear unsightly in your “smile zone.”
Why Replace Mercury Fillings?
Dentists always find controversy surrounding the use of mercury in dental fillings. Mercury is toxic to the human body. Many researchers believe that microscopic particles of mercury actually leak into the body from these fillings. As a result, most dentists no longer use dental amalgam.
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. 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.
Fortunately, composite fillings are not that expensive. More and more dentists are moving towards providing this safe and effective compound to repair all sorts of tooth damage. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen are proud to be at the forefront of this movement.
The Dental Filling Process
The dental filling process is relatively simple and complete during a single visit to our Plano, TX, dental office. To begin, Dr. Sowell or Dr. Chen will inject a local anesthetic that will make you comfortable and unable to feel pain. Our office offers dental sedation for patients suffering from dental anxiety or fears about their procedure. Ask us about sedation dentistry before your procedure.
Once you are comfortable and numb, Dr. Sowell or Dr. Chen will clean out the cavity. They will remove decay and infected tooth pulp if necessary. Next, they will gently clean the affected area. Then, they will apply the composite material and sculpt it into place.
Their attention to detail and artistic hand will create a comfortable and natural biting surface. The final step is to harden the compound with a curing light, which will also seal the filling to prevent future infection. The composite resin material will create a tight seal, preventing bacteria from entering the cavity. The new filling will protect the integrity of your tooth and have you smiling in no time.
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. A dental filling will strengthen the tooth and prevent the cavity from getting larger.
Do I need to fill small cavities?
Yes, 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, the cavity is actually not that small and needs a filling.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Your dentists in Plano, TX, Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen use 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.