The best way to avoid cavities and tooth decay is with a robust oral hygiene routine that prevents bacteria from taking up residence in your teeth in the first place but sometimes you need a solution for teeth that have already been affected by plaque or decay. That’s where fillings come in: the safe and effective way to remedy cavities and to fortify your teeth against further decay. Here at Maplewood Dental Associates, your local dentist in St Paul, MN, our mission is to help our patients’ mouths look AND feel good which is why we offer tooth-colored fillings that blend in with the natural color of your teeth. Find out more about our filling options below and why our practice is known as the best dental office in St Paul, MN!
The Filling Process
If you are wondering exactly how tooth fillings work and what the process of getting one is like, here is a description of what you need to know about tooth fillings:
- One of our highly trained dentists will evaluate the state of your teeth and determine whether you need a filling.
- If you do have a tooth with a cavity, we will clean out the affected area with a dental drill so that all of the corroded teeth are removed.
- Once the cavity is removed we will match your natural tooth color to one of our tooth-colored fillings and proceed to fill the missing part of your tooth with one of our filling material options (which you will choose before the procedure).
- Once your tooth is filled, we will shave and polish the filling so that it fits perfectly in your bite and seal the tooth to prevent further decay
Porcelain, Glass, and Composite Fillings
You may be thinking that porcelain and glass do not sound like the strongest substances with which to fill a tooth but this isn’t just regular glass or porcelain. Here is a bit more information on each of our available filling materials:
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Porcelain Fillings:
Our porcelain filling material is made from a ceramic powder that has the highest longevity of all of our fillings and is extremely resistant to stains.
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Glass Ionomer Fillings:
Our glass ionomer fillings are made from acrylic and glass powder and blend extremely well with the natural color of your teeth.
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Composite Fillings:
Our composite fillings are one of our most popular fillings and, while they can cost more than the other two options, composite fillings blend in extremely well and are the most durable of all of the tooth-color filling options.
Schedule a Visit With Your Dentist in St Paul, MN
Whether you are feeling like you may have a cavity or if you don’t think there is anything wrong with your teeth, it is always a good idea to stop by your local dentist to see if you may need dental care. Here at Maplewood Dental Associates, our professional staff and top-tier dentists can help you decide which treatment option is right for you and your smile. Contact our dental office in St Paul, MN to learn more about tooth-colored fillings or to schedule an appointment!