Tooth-Colored Fillings in Midland, MI

Cavities, one of the most common dental problems, occur when bacteria attacks your dental enamel. In the past, dental cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which is a combination of metals, like silver or mercury. Now we know that amalgam fillings do not adhere very well with the teeth, and the mercury can be dangerous to your overall health. At Great Lakes Bay Dental in Midland, MI, experienced dentist Dr. Daniel Clement offers tooth-colored fillings made from a composite resin to fill and protect cavities. Dr. Clement can also remove old metal fillings and replace them with tooth-colored fillings for a safer and better-looking cavity treatment.

Tooth-colored fillings usually cover the decayed area in the tooth after it is treated by Dr. Clement. Composite resin is a versatile material that can be used to address other issues with your teeth, including cracks or excessive wear on the enamel caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the composite resin is colored to match your natural teeth, fillings can be used on both the front and back teeth for a seamless finish. If you have metal fillings, talk to our team about having them removed and replaced with tooth-colored fillings.

Getting a tooth-colored filling at Great Lakes Bay Dental is usually a simple procedure. The area surrounding the cavity will be numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. Other forms of sedation can be discussed if you have any fears or anxieties to help keep you relaxed during the procedure. After you are prepared, the infected enamel is cleared away with a dental drill that our team will select based on where the cavity is located in the tooth and the level of decay. After the enamel is treated and the tooth is cleaned, the area will be filled with the composite resin and set. Dr. Clement will polish the filling material so it feels comfortable and matches your natural teeth.

You should be able to return to your normal day after your filling is done, but you might have some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages for 1 – 3 days. You may take over-the-counter pain medication to treat discomfort, but you should not have any major issues. If after a few days the filling feels high or uneven, please contact our office. Your tooth-colored filling can be kept clean by following a normal at-home oral care routine with daily brushing and flossing. At your annual exam, our team will assess your filling and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point.

Tooth-colored fillings are a common treatment for cavities that are usually covered partially by dental insurance. A member of our team will contact your insurance company to determine your exact coverage before calculating your bill. If you do not have insurance, Dr. Clement can discuss the payments accepted by our office during your consultation, as well as medical financing options.

Cavities may be a common issue, but it's important to have them fixed before they become a bigger problem. At Great Lakes Bay Dental in Midland, MI, tooth decay and cavities can be corrected with composite resin fillings. Dr. Clement matches the filling to the color of your natural teeth so that you will have a healthy, attractive smile. If you suspect that you or a family member may have a cavity, contact our office to schedule a dental exam with Dr. Clement.