Dental Filling New Orleans, LA

Tooth decay occurs when oral bacteria erode the tooth enamel, leaving behind a cavity in the tooth. After the bacteria is removed and the cavity is cleaned, the hole in the enamel must be filled. In the past, cavities were filled with a material called amalgam, which is a mixture of various metals, such as silver or mercury. Today, we know that metal fillings don't adhere as well to the tooth structure and that mercury fillings may pose a hazard to your health. MINT dentistry in New Orleans, LA is focused on providing our patients top-of-the-line solutions that meet their dental needs and help them maintain a healthy, stunning smile. Our experienced, board-certified MINT dentists are dedicated to providing your entire family with the highest quality dental care with tooth-colored fillings for the treatment of dental cavities. Tooth-colored fillings are made with composite resin material, which is shaded to blend seamlessly into your natural enamel. If you're in need of a dental filling in New Orleans, LA, contact our team to learn more about composite resin options.

For over 100 years, dentists used amalgam to treat tooth decay and fill cavities. Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of metals, like copper, mercury, silver, and tin, and used to be the only filling option for restoring a tooth with a cavity. Unlike modern, composite resin fillings, these metal fillings are very noticeable when someone opens their mouth wide to laugh, smile, or talk. Although some people still have amalgam fillings, our team of experienced MINT dentistry professionals uses tooth-colored fillings to treat tooth decay and give you a smile that's healthy and dazzling.

Composite dental fillings are often placed to restore teeth that have minor to moderate-sized cavities. A versatile dental material, composite resin can also treat other issues, like sealing small cracks or strengthening worn-down enamel caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Since the composite resin is colored to match your enamel, tooth-colored dental fillings can be placed in the front or back of the mouth for a seamless appearance. If you're concerned about silver fillings you already have, ask your New Orleans, LA dentist about getting them replaced with fillings made of composite resin.

At MINT dentistry, our team uses state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to help make the process of getting a dental filling simple and efficient. To begin your appointment, we'll show you how to use the massaging feature on our comfortable treatment chair, then you can choose the music that will play during your procedure. The treatment area(s) will be numbed with a local anesthetic to make sure you remain comfortable throughout the process. Other forms of sedation may be provided to help reduce any dental fears or anxieties so you can stay relaxed and at ease during your visit. When you're ready, the tooth structure affected by the cavity will be carefully removed by our team. After the decayed area is cleared away and the tooth is disinfected, the cavity will be filled with composite resin and set with a special light. We will then polish the filling to ensure it feels smooth.

The composite material will be set, leaving a firm, hard surface. Following the placement of your filling, you can resume your normal daily activities, but you should wait to eat until the anesthetic completely wears off. Some patients experience sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures for 1 – 3 days, but that should subside on its own. You can take non-prescription pain medication if you feel like you need it, but most patients feel no discomfort. If your filling feels high after the anesthetic wears off, please let us know so we can get you back in for a quick, easy adjustment. To keep your new tooth-colored filling clean, you should follow a good routine at home that includes flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. We will assess your filling during your routine dental exams and decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced at any point. Fillings made with composite resin material can be long-lasting and look natural. To maintain your oral health, it's important to attend professional cleanings at least twice a year at MINT dentistry in New Orleans, LA.

Many dental insurances offer coverage toward composite resin dental fillings. A member of our MINT dentistry team will speak to your insurance company to determine how much your insurance will cover and then calculate any out-of-pocket costs. For patients without insurance, we accept convenient payment options and can provide information on low-interest medical financing. MINT dentistry wants to help all patients in New Orleans, LA get a healthy, beautiful smile, and we're committed to making that goal attainable for everyone. Speak with a member of our team to find out how we can make your dental experience more affordable with the MINT Discount Plan.

Though dental cavities are one of the most common dental issues, composite fillings offer a simple, effective way to help you maintain the health and appearance of your smile. Using advanced technologies and special techniques, our skilled dentists treat small areas of tooth decay with tooth-colored dental fillings. Composite resin is shaded to match the color of your natural teeth and can give you an attractive, seamless smile. If you or a member of your family may have a cavity, please contact MINT dentistry in New Orleans, LA to schedule a dental exam.