Tooth Filling Dental Services in Erlanger, KY
Conservative Treatment of Tooth Decay
Silver fillings, also known as amalgam, were once a popular choice for treating cavities, but they have fallen out of favor in recent years for several reasons. Because they can expand and contract with temperature changes, amalgam fillings can cause tooth breakage and also allow secondary decay to form under the filling. Furthermore, their dark appearance looks unnatural and unattractive. Your family dentist in Erlanger, Dr. Henry , offers a better filling option that not only looks natural but also helps strengthen and protect your teeth: composite resin. Made of a durable plastic material that fills in the porous surface of the tooth, composite resin actually strengthens the tooth and helps prevent fracture. Furthermore, less tooth structure needs to be removed for a composite resin filling than with a silver one. Dr. Henry believes in conserving as much natural tooth structure as possible for a lifetime of healthy teeth, so composite resin fillings are the ideal choice for treating mild to moderate decay.
Esthetically-Pleasing Composite Resin Fillings
To place your composite resin filling, Dr. Henry must first prepare the tooth for optimal bonding of the material. She will first gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth with a dental instrument, followed by etching the space to help the resin attach better. Next, she will place the soft material, which is shaded to match surrounding teeth, in the prepared space. After hardening the filling under a special light, Dr. Henry will shape and polish the filling to ensure a proper bite with opposing teeth and a natural-looking sheen. Your new white dental restoration will be virtually unnoticeable, and you will emerge from Dr. Henry ‘s office with teeth that are healthier, stronger, and better functioning than before.
For personalized general and cosmetic dental care in northern Kentucky, contact Dr. Darlene Henry today to schedule an appointment. Located in Erlanger, we serve patients from all surrounding areas, including Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Fort Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, and Taylor Mill.