We Repair Cavities and Restore Your Oral Health with Composite Dental Fillings
When tooth decay or damage compromises the structural integrity of your tooth, we place a tooth filling to restore its natural form and rebuild its strength. We routinely place dental fillings at our dental office in Ballston Dental Care so that you can expect a quick and seamless procedure. Dr. David Matney and his team use composite fillings, renowned for their aesthetics, safety, and durability.
Do composite fillings just fill cavities?
Composite fillings are made from acrylic plastic and finely ground glass. Unlike metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are multifunctional, serving several roles beyond simply filling cavities. The dentist can use composites to reshape teeth, fill minor gaps between teeth, and repair cracked or chipped teeth.
Furthermore, the dentist can use dental fillings to cover exposed tooth roots after gum recession. The fillings also build worn-out teeth from tooth-grinding damage or natural wear and tear. Composite fillings are versatile restorations that reshape, repair, protect, and enhance teeth, offering numerous cosmetic and health benefits.
How are dental fillings placed?
We place composite fillings in a single visit, with the material hardening almost instantly under a special light. This allows patients to resume normal activities quickly without needing multiple appointments.
Your treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Matney, who will examine your tooth with digital x-rays. Sometimes, surface cavities may be the “tip of the iceberg,” indicating more extensive issues beneath the surface.
If only a filling is required, he will gently remove the decayed portions of the tooth before cleaning the tooth thoroughly until all the infection is gone. Then, he’ll fill the cavity left with layered composite resin and reshape it to match the contours of your tooth. Next, Dr. Matney will harden the filling with a special light, hardening the material within minutes. The final step is to adjust your filling until your bite feels normal.
Fillings don’t require any special maintenance. Simply maintain them as you do your natural teeth, which includes brushing, flossing, and bi-annual visits. When properly cared for, dental fillings can last well over a decade.
What are the benefits of composite fillings?
We don’t restore your smile with any materials—we only use the best-in-class materials, even for simple procedures like cavity fillings. The following are the notable benefits of composite fillings.
- They are colored like natural teeth for a discreet appearance
- Composites are created from toxic-free materials
- Placing composite fillings is a minimally invasive procedure
- Composite is resistant to thermal changes
- They can last over 5-8 years with proper maintenance
- Composites chemically bond with the tooth to improve its strength
Are dental fillings preventable?
Dental cavities can be painful and costly, so it’s best to prevent them. Observe the following tips to keep your smile healthy and cavity-free.
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Adhere to two dental check-ups annually
- Floss your teeth at least once every day
- Limit the intake of sugary and acidic foods
- Consider dental sealants and fluoride treatments
- Keep your mouth hydrated
Do you need dental fillings?
We are passionate about providing you with the highest quality of care. Do you need a dental filling in Arlington, Virginia? Call (703) 229-8565 to schedule an appointment with Ballston Dental Care. We use the latest generations of durable and natural-looking filling materials.
