Tooth decay is a bacterial infection that eats away at the tooth, creating a hollow crater that’s commonly referred to as a cavity. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush and floss daily, visit Dr. Semaan for regular checkups, and avoid foods that are high in sugar, particularly between meals.
When the damage is not too extensive, Dr. Semaan will use a tooth-colored filling to restore a tooth damaged by decay. But if the infection is allowed to persist until the tooth is severely damaged, then a more extensive procedure such as a porcelain crown may be necessary to save the tooth.
After Dr. Semaan removes all the decayed matter from an infected tooth, she replaces it with a filling. This restores the tooth to its regular size and shape and keeps it strong. It also helps prevent further decay.
Composite resin fillings can last up to 10 years with proper care and a healthy diet. If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and visit Dr. Semaan for cleanings and check-ups, your filling should remain strong for years to come.
We also recommend against harmful habits such as chewing on ice or using your teeth to open packages. These will break your composite restorations and cause harm to your teeth.
Yes, composite fillings are very strong and are designed to protect your natural teeth from further decay and damage. They’re able to withstand any daily wear and tear such as chewing, speaking, and oral hygiene.
While composite fillings may not be as strong as amalgam fillings, the composite resin is much less noticeable and will look like a natural part of your tooth.
No, composite fillings don’t have mercury in them. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings don’t contain any metal because they’re created from a mixture of safe dental material and glass or ceramic.
The safety of our patients is a priority for us here at our office. That’s why we use materials that are less likely to cause harm to you and can improve your life with their natural, beautiful appearance.
A composite filling hardens immediately after Dr. Semaan places it on your tooth. You can usually eat as soon as you leave our Beverly Hills, MI office.
However, in some cases, we may suggest waiting for at least 2 hours before chewing on the filling if you’re still numb. We will address this after your treatment has completed.
We feature tooth-colored composite resin fillings which offer our patients a number of advantages. The most obvious benefit of composite fillings is that they’re custom designed to match the color of your smile. This makes them virtually invisible.
Composite resin is strong and extremely durable. Using composite fillings enables us to preserve a greater portion of your existing tooth than we could with a traditional amalgam filling.
Another advantage is that composite fillings bond directly with the tooth, eliminating spaces where bacteria could seep in and cause additional decay. Restoring a damaged tooth with a composite resin filling is fast and easy for you — the procedure can be completed in just one office visit.
In addition to tooth-colored fillings, our team also features a number of restorative and cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile. Give us a call today at 248-642-3800 to learn more. Or, just fill out the submission form on this page and we’ll get right back to you.
