At first, a cavity that is not visible or painful may not seem like anything to worry about. But given time, that cavity can create serious problems for your smile. At Smile Loft Dental at Hillandale, our dentists and team repair cavities and small amounts of tooth damage using composite dental fillings in Silver Spring, Maryland. Call 301-445-5821 to schedule your visit with Dr. Kashyap Patel or Dr. Priya Patel.
Traditionally, dental fillings have been made of silver amalgam. However, our dental office uses only composite, or tooth-colored, filling material. Our dentists and team have chosen to use composite filling materials in order to provide you with a more natural-looking result and to promote better long-term oral health. There are many benefits to composite fillings, including:
- Material that bonds to your tooth to provide more support for the tooth’s structural integrity
- Reduced risk of the treated tooth breaking or fracturing in the future
- Insulation from temperature changes caused by foods and beverages
- Better seals around the edges of the damaged area, increasing the tooth’s resistance to decay and leaks
- The ability to correct cavities that are too small for amalgam fillings to repair
- Fillings that can be repaired and replaced without being removed from the tooth
- No mercury or other metals are used, making the filling safer
When you receive a composite dental filling, our dentists will carefully select a filling that matches your natural tooth color to give you a more beautiful and healthier-looking smile. Fillings can usually be placed in a single appointment.
For more information about composite dental fillings and to make an appointment with our dentists, contact our office today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations made from a resin material that matches your natural enamel. They repair cavities and minor tooth damage while blending seamlessly with your smile.
Most composite fillings can be placed in a single appointment. The procedure usually involves removing decay, shaping the tooth, and bonding the filling with a special light to harden it.
Composite fillings are strong and designed to withstand everyday chewing. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, they can last many years before needing replacement.
Yes! Your dentist will choose a composite shade that closely matches your natural teeth, giving you a smooth and natural look that makes the filling almost invisible.
It’s normal to feel slight sensitivity to hot or cold foods for a few days after placement. This usually goes away quickly, but persistent discomfort should be checked by your dentist.
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing, and keeping routine dental exams. Avoid hard or sticky foods that might stress the filling and schedule regular visits to watch for wear or staining.