Repair Tooth Damage with Safe and Natural-looking Composite fillings

Cavities are more than just a problem—they can cause significant issues if not addressed. Dental fillings in Russell, Kentucky, provide a simple solution for tooth decay. They repair the damage and halt its progression to maintain your tooth’s health. 

Dr. Kim Arnold Family Dentistry is mindful of the materials we put in your mouth. Instead of amalgam or other toxic materials, we use composite fillings to repair decay. Composite fillings are aesthetically appealing and don’t pose any safety concerns.

How are composite fillings placed?

Tooth filling is a routine procedure in our office. It’s quick and painless. The dentist will first examine your tooth with X-rays. This establishes the extent of damage and confirms that only a filling is needed. Sometimes, a cavity is just the visible part of a bigger problem. A small hole in your tooth may seem minor, but decay can extend deeper into the tooth’s pulp, causing infection. 

After examination, the dentist will numb your gums with local anesthetics. Then, she’ll remove the decayed portions of the tooth and clean the area thoroughly until all the infection is gone. Next, she’ll fill the tooth with composite resin and mold it to the desired shape. 

Composite fillings take a few seconds to harden when exposed to a special curing light. This restores immediate tooth function and eliminates any pain or sensitivity. Patients can resume their everyday life after treatment. However, refrain from chewing or consuming hot substances for about two hours until the anesthesia wears off.

What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?

Amalgam fillings have been the gold standard for treating cavities for many years. These fillings are created from several metals, including tin, silver, copper, and mercury. While they offer durability, amalgams have several drawbacks, including unattractive silver appearance and potential mercury exposure.

As a holistic dental office, we prioritize your health using biocompatible materials. That’s why we offer composite fillings, which provide a safe, natural-looking alternative without compromising health or aesthetics.

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of tooth-colored fillings.

  • Aesthetics: Composite fillings match the color of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. They are hardly noticeable when smiling or speaking. 
  • Safety: We always safeguard your oral-systemic health by using biocompatible materials. Composites are created from acrylic plastic and finely grounded glass. These materials are biocompatible and non-toxic. 
  • Durability: Composite fillings provide a long-lasting solution for tooth repair. They can last 10 or more years with good maintenance. 
  • Conservative: Silver fillings require significant removal of the tooth structure for better retention. For composite fillings, the dentist only removes the damaged/decayed portions. 
  • Better protection: Composites bond directly to the tooth structure, providing good support and protection to your teeth. 

Composite fillings are a staple in modern dentistry, but they have limitations. When the damage is too pronounced, there may be inadequate structure to support a filling. In such cases, the dentist will recommend an onlay or dental crown to protect the tooth from further damage.

Do you need a dental filling in Ashland, KY?

Dr. Kim Arnold Family Dentistry is pleased to offer composite fillings in Russell, Ashland, KY, and beyond. If you have tooth decay or damage, we are here to help. Call (606) 836-6022 and reserve an appointment with Dr. Kimberly Arnold and her team. We can’t wait to help you achieve your healthy, pain-free smile.