Composite “White” Fillings

Durango, CO

At Durango Dentistry, we use composite fillings as a treatment method for tooth decay. If you live in Durango, CO or surrounding area and are looking for a natural-looking restoration, we encourage you to call (970)259-1646 and schedule an appointment. Our team has the necessary experience with placing these tooth-colored fillings and can work to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure. This is one of our most frequently used procedures, since a filling is typically placed after removing tooth decay (common cavities). If you have amalgam fillings now, we can even replace them with composite ones. To learn more, call and schedule a dental examination.

What is a dental filling?

This dental procedure is necessary when you develop missing enamel or a hole in your teeth. This hole can be caused by tooth decay or a broken or damaged tooth. Your dentist will clean the area affected by the hole. They will give you a numbing agent before using local anesthesia to numb the area. A filling is made from artificial materials and is placed into the gap and then secured with heat. This is the most effective and easiest way to stop the spread of tooth decay. 

The Most Common Signs of a Cavity

When it comes to tooth decay, there are some very specific signs and symptoms that people should be on the lookout for. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, it would be best that they make an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible, in order to maintain a healthy dental routine.

As cavities progress, tooth decay can quickly set in, and the steps to have this alleviated and fixed can mean more money and time for the patient.

Common signs and symptoms of tooth decay

It is important that when a cavity first begins to form, a person typically does not have any symptoms at all. It takes visiting a dentist for your bi-annual cleaning and check-up for them to see the signs that a cavity is forming or has formed already.

Once a cavity has formed, decay can begin to set in, and it is important to realize that these signs and symptoms can indicate that a cavity is present, and tooth decay is starting.

Toothaches

When someone experiences a toothache, this is typically an indicator that something is not right with the tooth. If someone is experiencing any spontaneous pain or tooth pain that does not seem to have any apparent reason, but it can indicate a cavity or the start of tooth decay.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be normal for people. However, if there is a sudden change in tooth sensitivity for a certain tooth, this could be another indicator of a cavity. It is important to note when the sensitivity began and give this information to your dentist. This can help them in assessing the tooth for a cavity or tooth decay.

Highly Sensitive Tooth

If someone begins to notice that they are having sharp or sudden pain when eating or drinking certain foods or drinks, this can be another indicator. The higher sensitivity in a tooth could be from eating or drinking hot, sweet or cold foods and drinks. Again, it is important to note what is causing sudden pain. It would need to be over multiple instances, and not just one time. However, when it begins to happen, this typically continues occurring. Informing your dentist of this can also be helpful for them to asses and determine what is happening to cause the pain.

Tooth Stains

If someone begins to notice that stains are forming on a tooth and the stains are brown, black or white, this could be another indicator of tooth decay. In some cases, a visible hole in the tooth is a sign of a cavity. Such a hole can form because of the decay. Visible signs of stains on the tooth's surface can mean that the tooth itself has started to take over due to erosion over time. Noting when you first noticed the stains would be helpful to your dentist.

Chalky Spotting

If your teeth are healthy, they will have a layer of enamel that is perfectly clear. However, chalky spots are a sign of trouble. If you notice opaque or chalky spots on your tooth, it is lacking in minerals. In particular, the enamel has insufficient calcium.

Bad Breath

Food particles can lodge between cavities and cause bad breath. If you notice your breath smells worse than normal and it does not go away, then a cavity may be the cause.

A Foul Taste

The decay caused by dental cavities can also create a nasty taste in your mouth. If you notice a bad taste that lingers even after you enjoy food, beverages, cigarettes or anything else, you might have a cavity.

Bleeding During Brushing

Even a small amount of visible blood during brushing is an indication that a cavity might be present. Cavities can spur bleeding during the brushing process as the damaged nerve will cause gum irritation. If the bleeding continues across posterity, there is a good chance the cavity is particularly deep.

Gum Issues

Especially large cavities along the gum line have the potential to trap food and create issues with the gums. In particular, swelling in certain portions of the gums will likely occur. This swelling might not be painful yet it will certainly be visible. As noted above, it is even possible for blood to emerge from a tooth plagued by a massive cavity.

Restorative Dentistry for Kids

While most adults are familiar with restorative dentistry, these solutions are also available for kids. If you have an elementary-age child or teenager, remember that their permanent teeth are the only teeth that they will ever have. If they damage one while playing sports or swinging on the monkey bars – give us a call. At Durango Dentistry, we can restore their teeth using a variety of methods and the sooner, the better. As with most things, if we can correct the damage quickly, there is a reduced risk of the site becoming infected or the damage spreading. With younger kids, we typically recommend a bonding procedure because we can complete it quickly, and it is non-invasive. With bonding, a tooth-colored material is applied to the tooth and shaped. Once it looks perfect, we will use a dental light to harden it. The results look natural, and your child will be able to have a newly restored tooth in one visit. This is a painless procedure, which also makes it beneficial for both children and adults. The one challenge to be aware of is that their teeth may continue to grow and if so, the restored tooth may appear shorter and need to be touched up when they become an adult. By working in restorative dentistry, we can help patients now and in the future. If someone in your family has a damaged tooth, give us a call at (970)259-1646 so that we can restore it to full functionality.

Restorative Dentistry for Seniors

At Durango Dentistry, we treat seniors throughout the Durango area. We have found that many seniors assume that they will experience tooth loss and don't attempt restorations when their teeth become damaged or infected. This is a mistake. Whenever possible, we recommend that you save your natural teeth. Restorative dentistry plays a critical role in the health of your mouth and jaw. This is true for everyone and especially for seniors. Most seniors, especially women, tend to experience some type of bone loss. The severity of which is highly dependent on a person's health history, diet, and level of exercise. Bone loss can lead to an increased risk of breaking bones, a loss of height and a change in appearance. This is particularly true when it comes to your facial appearance. Your natural teeth provide stimulation to your jawbone. Every time that you bite down and chew, your bone is being utilized, and the body supports it as such. If you start to lose teeth, the body may stop supporting the jawbone in that particular area because the stimulation will be lost. Resorption is when the body begins to take the calcium away from the jaw and feed it to other areas of the body. This can alter how a person appears and create an almost sunken-like appearance. This makes it critical to save your natural teeth whenever possible, something that we specialize in by offering restorative dentistry. When we save a damaged or infected tooth, we are not only saving the tooth but also preserving the health and integrity of the jawbone and, therefore, your appearance. If you are a senior living in Durango, don’t take your teeth for granted. Call us at the first sign of damage or infection so that we can save your teeth and restore them to good health.

Restorative Dentistry for the Family

At Durango Dentistry, we treat patients of various age groups. We have found that many seniors assume that they will experience tooth loss and do not attempt restorations when their teeth become damaged or infected. This is a mistake. Whenever possible, we recommend that you save your natural teeth. Whether you live in the Durango area or across the country, restorative dentistry plays a critical role in the health of your mouth and jaw. This is true for everyone and especially for seniors. Most seniors, especially women, tend to experience some type of bone loss; the severity of which is highly dependent on a persons' health history, diet, and whether or not they exercise. Bone loss can lead to an increased risk of breaking bones, a loss of height and a change in appearance. This is particularly true when it comes to your facial appearance. Your natural teeth provide stimulation to your jawbone. Every time that you bite down and chew, your bone is being utilized, and the body supports it as such. If you start to lose teeth, the body may stop supporting the jawbone in that particular area because the stimulation will be lost. In this scenario, resorption starts to occur, and the body begins to take the calcium away from the jaw and feed it to other areas of the body. This can alter how a person appears and create an almost sunken-like appearance. This makes it beyond critical to save teeth whenever possible, something that we focus on by offering restorative dentistry. When we save a damaged or infected tooth, we are not only saving the tooth but also preserving the health and integrity of the jawbone and, therefore, your appearance. If you are a senior living in Durango, do not take your teeth for granted. Call us at the first sign of damage or infection so that we can save your teeth and restore them to good health.

The Benefits of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling

We can place a composite resin filling fairly quickly. This is an affordable and durable restoration that will look similar to a regular tooth. We make sure to complete the procedure in a way that is comfortable, effective, and fast. In some situations, depending on the patient and the position of where the filling will go, we can complete a filling every 30 minutes. If you live in the Durango area, we encourage you to consider the many benefits of getting tooth-colored fillings instead of amalgam ones.

Silver vs. Tooth-Colored Filling: What You Should Know

Tooth-colored fillings are safer for your health since they consist of resin or a plastic material. Silver fillings are typically not silver, but a metal alloy that includes several materials with mercury among them. There have been numerous health warnings regarding overexposure to mercury, which is why pregnant women are warned to stay away from tuna. While many people believe amalgam fillings are perfectly safe, the data can be contradictory from study to study. If you want to avoid the risks that come with mercury exposure, select tooth-colored fillings, or replace your existing silver fillings. Visit our Durango, CO dental office for more information.

What Can Cause a Dental Filling to Fall Out

A dental fillings is one of the main procedures performed on patients. Everyone should see their dentist twice a year. It is during these visits where most oral health issues are detected. If you see your dentist routinely, they can treat these issues right away before they become more severe. Usually, a dentist discovers a cavity in the early stages, which can be filled relatively quickly. A filling does not take much time at all. If properly cared for, your filling will last years and not cause you any problems. 

Why would you lose a dental filling?

A filling is meant to last for years. Your dentist will give you suggestions and advice on how to take care of your filling properly, so you don't need to have it replaced. Most patients suffer a cracked or missing filling because they bite into or chew on hard food or candy. You should never eat anything too sticky or hard if you have a filling in your mouth. For example, a sticky piece of taffy could easily grab onto a filling and pull it out. 

If you feel you have lost or cracked a filling, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Even if you are not in pain, that doesn't mean you won't be in pain in the future. Dental pain from losing a filling could come on at any time and be severe. 

How does a dentist fix a filling?

During your appointment, your dentist will examine the area where you lost or cracked the filling. They will need to properly clean the entire area and redo the filling to ensure the gap or hole is completely covered again. This can be done relatively quickly, and you should not be in the dentist's chair for more than an hour.