Repair Your Smile with Beautiful, Minimally Invasive Dental Fillings
Do you have a cavity or minor crack? At Arrowhead Dentistry, Dr. John Upton and his team use composite (tooth-colored) fillings to repair minor damage. Unlike silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings in Glendale, Arizona, are aesthetically pleasing and support our biomimetic approach of preserving as much natural structure as possible. Made from a mixture of resin and glass particles, composite fillings are also safe and biocompatible.
What is the procedure for dental fillings?
Tooth fillings can be placed in a single appointment. After examining your tooth, the dentist will use local anesthetics to numb your gums. This maximizes your comfort throughout the procedure.
Next, Dr. Upton will remove any decay and shape the cavity by filing any rough edges. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to remove unwanted bacteria. After drying the tooth, the dentist applies the filling material and sculpts it into the desired shape. Then, a curing light is shone into the restoration to harden it. Finally, the dentist trims any excess material and polishes the tooth to create a lustrous, natural-looking finish.
The procedure has little downtime. You can resume your day-to-day life, but avoid chewing or drinking anything hot for 2-3 hours post-treatment until the anesthesia wears off. You may also experience some sensitivity after treatment. However, this is mild and should resolve within a few days. Contact our Glendale office if discomfort persists.
Are white fillings better than silver fillings?
In the 1800s, dentists discovered that silver, mercury, and other metals could repair tooth damage. Silver fillings have been used for many years, until worries emerged about the potential harm of mercury when it enters the body. This led to the invention of composite fillings that use safer and more aesthetically appealing materials.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits of composite fillings.
- Enhanced aesthetics: Tooth-colored fillings blend naturally with your teeth, making them undetectable when you smile.
- Proven safety: Composite fillings are made from safe, trusted materials that have been used successfully in dentistry for decades.
- Conservative approach: They require less removal of healthy tooth structure, helping preserve more of your natural tooth.
- Durability: Composite is easily moldable in its raw form, but it forms a strong, durable restoration once hardened. Composite fillings can last 5-10 years with good maintenance.
- Better reinforcement: Composite material bonds directly to the tooth, adding support and helping reduce the risk of future cracks.
Even the best restorations need good maintenance. To keep your filling healthy and strong, clean your teeth diligently and maintain routine dental check-ups. Additionally, curb teeth grinding (bruxism) and avoid using your teeth to chew or bite non-food items.
How much is a dental filling in Glendale, Arizona?
The cost of a filling depends on its size, complexity, and insurance coverage. Our office is always upfront and transparent with pricing. We’ll provide the precise cost of your filling during your consultation. We’ll also explore how dental insurance and financing can make your treatment affordable.
Where can I get tooth-colored fillings near me in Glendale, AZ?
Minor issues such as cavities can progress into painful, costly problems without proper treatment. Don’t let a cavity ruin your smile or comfort. Call (623) 878-6333 and restore your smile with tooth-colored fillings at Arrowhead Dentistry, serving Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria, Sun City, and the surrounding locations. Experience expert, personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
