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Getting fillings done is one of the most important ways to protect your teeth.

Many people have childhood memories of working hard to build up good dental habits. It was nice to visit the dentist and find out you had no cavities. Maybe you would even get a lollipop (sugar-free, of course) or other treat. As you age, though, things get can get a little more complicated.

Cavities can become much more likely with age, since the outer enamel of teeth tends to become more thin. Natural recession of gum tissue also makes teeth more prone to decay.

Luckily, there are fillings: A trusted and effective way to protect teeth.

Why Fillings Are Essential for Long-Term Dental Health

Any good Santa Cruz dentist will tell you that strong fillings are important for adults and kids.

Many cavities start out so small they are almost impossible to detect. As they grow, damage spreads across the tooth and it’s easier for bacteria to infiltrate the interior. Cavities can take months to produce noticeable symptoms, but the problem is always progressing.

Fillings can halt the decay process. The sooner this is done, the better for your teeth!

Performed by an expert Santa Cruz dentist, you can expect your fillings to last for fifteen years or even longer. Although decay can happen around a filling, it is less likely than with an untreated tooth.

Tooth Colored Fillings Make it Easier to Maintain a Beautiful Smile

Tooth colored fillings, known as composite or resin fillings, resist damage, are easy to maintain, and blend in with the natural color of your surrounding teeth. It is often impossible to tell that you have a filling, especially after a few months.

There are some other advantages to know about:

• Since they are so durable, they can be used in the front or the back of the mouth;
• They bond strongly to enamel and don’t require removal of much tooth material;
• They can usually be placed in a single visit, even if a cavity is very serious.

Getting a Tooth Colored Filling is a Simple Process

Most patients find the look of composite resin fillings to be even better than porcelain, the “original” tooth colored fillings. Of course, there may be situations where your Santa Cruz dentist recommends a different type of filling, such as porcelain or gold.

Getting a tooth colored filling is easy. All it takes is a quick examination, which may include x-rays. Teeth that are not severely infected can be filled right away, a process that might take only half an hour from start to finish. Discomfort is minimal, and you can even choose sedation dentistry.

With old-fashioned amalgam fillings, you usually had to wait 24 hours before you could eat. In most cases, patients receiving composite fillings can eat right away, though it’s a good idea to wait until anesthetic wears off – you’ll be less likely to bite your cheek that way.

To find out more and get the help you need, contact Landmark Dental Group of Santa Cruz!

Photo Credit: xerox123 | Adobe Stock

Even if you’ve done everything you can to protect your dental health, odds are good you’ll need a filling or two at some point in your life. As we age, tooth enamel can soften and wear away, making cavities more likely with time.

There’s no reason to fret – modern fillings are effective, safe, and natural-looking!

Many adults do have some “not so fond” memories of traditional fillings. Most of these are amalgam-based, giving them their distinctive, silvery appearance. Over time, amalgam fillings have a tendency to discolor. If put in early in life, they often need to be replaced later on.

Today’s fillings are very different. Your family dentist can tell you more.

Composite Resin Provides the Tooth Colored Fillings You’ve Been Waiting For

If you have a tooth you’ve been wondering about getting filled, there’s one rule of thumb: The sooner, the better! With proper care, a small cavity may take a long time to get larger – but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t present a serious threat to your dental health.

Cavities make it easier for harmful bacteria to infiltrate your teeth. Once they’ve done that, the root system can be infected. An infection might spread through the gums, too, causing serious problems. The best course of action is to get a cavity filled promptly.

Tooth colored fillings have a number of great benefits:

• They look similar to natural tooth enamel – it’s usually impossible to tell the difference;
• They can be used in either the front or back of the mouth since they’re resistant to wear;
• They don’t require much healthy tooth material to be drilled away before filling insertion;
• They adhere well to tooth enamel and dentin, and require only one visit to be placed.

When Are Other Types of Fillings or Other Restorations a Good Idea?

Patients love tooth colored fillings, but there are also many other options to choose from. We offer porcelain and gold fillings as well as other tooth restoration services: Inlay, onlay, crowns, and much more. The best way to decide which is right in your situation? See your family dentist in person.

Tooth colored fillings are very popular, and they’re great for most situations. For very damaged teeth or those that have had a root canal, however, other options can be preferable. Before you choose, a dental exam is essential. Sometimes, an x-ray might be necessary, too.

Visit Landmark Dental Group to Learn What Filling or Restoration is Best for You

Making confident, informed decisions about your dental health is one of the greatest benefits of having a family dentist. At Landmark Dental Group, we strive to build strong relationships with each one of our patients. We truly understand your needs, so you can get the best care possible.

Even if you haven’t seen a dentist lately, it’s never too late to restore your smile and strengthen your teeth. Take the first step today by contacting Landmark Dental Group for an appointment. We look forward to seeing you smile!