Did you know that an estimated 21% of adults in the United States have untreated cavities? Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that wear down your enamel. Unfortunately, caries doesn’t heal on its own and tends to worsen over time, so it’s essential to contact our Total Dental Solutions for Adults team for help as soon as you notice an issue.
Thankfully, Dr. Hoop can repair cavities with lifelike materials to restore your damaged tooth’s functionality and appearance while protecting it from further harm. Continue reading to learn more about this proven procedure, and don't hesitate to reach out with any additional questions.
Fillings are the standard treatment for tooth decay and are made from durable composite resin. Unlike amalgam fillings of the past, this material can be color-matched to your natural hue for seamless results that won’t attract unwanted attention.
This biocompatible solution restores the structure of your troubled tooth to keep germs out and allows you to continue using it normally to perform basic functions, like eating and speaking. Not only that, but this procedure can often be completed from start to finish in a single, hour-long appointment.
Before getting started, our team will administer a local anesthetic to help you feel comfortable throughout your visit. We also offer options for sedation for overly anxious patients or those who struggle with sitting still for more extended periods or have an over-sensitive gag reflex. Then, we’ll use special instruments to carefully remove damaged materials before sanitizing your tooth.
Next, Dr. Hoop will apply the customized composite resin directly to your enamel in layers to rebuild its shape. Finally, we’ll harden the layers using an ultraviolet curing light and trim away excess resin, then polish your smile to a shine!
In the past, dentists used metal amalgam mixtures to fill cavities instead of FDA-approved composite resin. Today, there are many advantages to choosing tooth-colored restorations, including: