Questions for your New Orleans dentist?
Patient education is important to us at Downtown Dental, and part of that is making sure we leave enough time during appointments to answer any questions you might have. Whether you want to know about taking care of your oral health or you need more information to make the best choices for treatment recommendations, we want you to be informed.
Call Us To Schedule
There are quite a few questions we hear over and over from patients, and we have put the most common questions here, for your convenience. Please don’t hesitate to ask us questions that are not listed here. The only sily question is the one that goes unasked!
Tooth-Colored Fillings
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!