Tooth-Colored Fillings in New Orleans
Dental decay is one of the most common problems dentists deal with every day. If you are like most American adults, you probably have at least one filling.
In the past, the standard for tackling dental decay was a metal mixture—called amalgam—that was easily recognizable by its dark gray color. With today’s modern dentistry, however, tooth-colored fillings are available for new cavities and to replace old amalgam fillings you might still have in your mouth.
At Downtown Dental, we only use tooth-colored composite fillings. Give us a call to find out more!
The Steps Involved for Filling a Tooth
The procedure for getting a tooth-colored filling is not much different than getting an amalgam.
Dr. Richard Rathke will first numb the area that will be treated so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Then he will remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Because the composite material bonds directly to your tooth, he will not have to remove as much of the tooth as with amalgam fillings.
Once the decayed area is clear and the tooth is ready for the filling, the composite material will be layered onto the tooth. Dr. Rathke will have you bite down on the filling to make sure it is comfortable, making any needed adjustments. Because Dr. Rathke will choose the right color to match your tooth, you won’t even be able to see the filling once it is in.
The Advantages of Composite Fillings From Downtown Dental
The most apparent advantage of composite fillings is that they are made to match your tooth color for seamless restorations. Even if you open your mouth wide to laugh or talk, no one will be able to see that you have fillings.
This also makes them ideal for treating decay near the front of your mouth, where fillings might be visible. Other cosmetic uses for composite fillings include repairing chips, gaps, or cracks in teeth.
In addition to the esthetic advantages, composite fillings are stronger and more durable than their amalgam counterparts. There is reduced expansion and contraction with composites, making them less likely to fracture over time.
Getting a composite filling is also quicker because your dentist will not have to remove as much of the tooth structure before placing the filling.
Taking Care of Tooth-Colored Fillings in New Orleans
There are no special instructions when it comes to caring for your composite fillings; brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. As always, stay current with your bi-annual visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings.
If you notice any sensitivity with your tooth-colored filling in the weeks after the procedure, this will usually resolve itself on its own. Give us a call if it doesn’t.
Call Us to Ask about Tooth-Colored Fillings
If you have a cavity and need to get a filling or you have old amalgam fillings you’d like to replace, contact Dr. Rathke of Downtown Dental to find out more information on tooth-colored fillings. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth-Colored Fillings in NOLA
Yes. At Downtown Dental, we only use tooth-colored fillings.
Not only do tooth-colored fillings provide a better esthetic than old-fashioned metal fillings—also known as amalgam fillings—but they are stronger and more durable.
There are a number of benefits to using composite, tooth-colored fillings:
- Less of the tooth structure needs to be drilled away to make room for composite fillings. This means preparing a decayed tooth for a filling is quicker—so you will spend less time in the dental chair.
- Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings adhere directly to the tooth structure so more of the tooth can stay intact. This also makes composite fillings stronger and less likely to fracture as is the tendency for amalgam fillings.
- Tooth-colored fillings can be made to match the tooth they are repairing perfectly, so this makes composite an ideal material to repair fillings toward the front of the mouth as well as gaps, cracks, and chips in front teeth.
Contact Our New Orleans Dental Office
Give us a call to find out more about tooth-colored fillings. If you think you might have a cavity, call us immediately. We can also talk to you about replacing any amalgam fillings you might still have in your mouth.
Dental fillings cannot be whitened, so if you want to maintain beautiful, stain-free fillings, you will need to replace them. Over time, composite fillings can collect stains or turn yellow from the foods and drinks we consume and other lifestyle habits.
Stains on dental fillings can also indicate tooth decay, which will require replacing your tooth-colored filling. If you notice that your tooth filling has stains, we invite you to contact your dentist for a dental evaluation.
Dr. Richard Rathke is dedicated to helping you keep your smile attractive and healthy with high-quality restorations, like composite fillings. Composite fillings look natural and blend in with your smile, unlike silver amalgam fillings that are gray and can leave marks on your teeth and gums.
Caring for Your Tooth-Colored Fillings
There aren’t special instructions for dental filling care. As always, we strongly encourage you to brush twice daily, floss at least once daily, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse to keep your smile healthy and clean.
Also, stay current with your routine dental exams and cleanings. Mild tooth sensitivity after a dental filling is normal, but if it continues or worsens, please call our team at Downtown Dental.
Call Us for Dental Restorations in New Orleans
If you need tooth repair for decay or minor damage, please get in touch with us for an appointment. We can help restore your smile!
Tooth-colored fillings in New Orleans look natural and seamlessly restor
e your smile. Dr. Rathke is a highly skilled and experienced New Orleans dentist who provides tooth-colored fillings for patients of all ages. Patients often opt for tooth-colored fillings over other kinds because they are discreet and naturally blend in with the rest of their teeth.
Maintain a Seamless Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite or white fillings, are made of a combination of powdered glass, silica, and plastic resin. Tooth-colored fillings allow your dentist to fill in cavities while retaining your tooth’s natural appearance. This also maintains the feel and function of your smile, seamlessly concealing your cavity and matching your tooth’s natural color and structure.
Metal-Free Fillings Look Natural
Another reason why patients flock to tooth-colored fillings in New Orleans is that they do not contain metal. Though amalgam fillings are deemed safe by the FDA, some patients would rather have tooth-colored fillings rather than ones that contain metal because of sensitivities and allergies.
Durable Tooth-Colored Fillings in New Orleans
Aside from looking more attractive than other types of fillings, tooth-colored fillings are also incredibly durable. The materials used in these fillings are designed to last, allowing you to speak, eat, and smile confidently.
To schedule your appointment for tooth-colored fillings with our New Orleans dentist, please contact us today!
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Richard Rathke DDS
Dr. Richard M. Rathke, Jr., grew up in Lacombe, Louisiana, and attended Slidell High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University (2006) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from LSU School of Dentistry (2012). Dr. Rathke takes pride in providing dental services as he would for himself and his family while ensuring that every patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.
Some of the continuing education courses Dr. Rathke has taken include the following:
- Sports Dentistry Trauma
- Advanced Dentoalveolar Surgery for the General Practitioner
- Maxillary Implant Prosthetics
- Insights into Prosthodontic ...