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Despite being preventable, cavities are still a common problem that dentists deal with on a daily basis. Untreated decay is a major cause of premature tooth loss. Fortunately, cavities can be treated fairly easily if caught sooner rather than later. At Athens Dental Group in Watkinsville, Georgia, Drs. Drew Richardson and Brant Sandifer treat decay with composite resin fillings. We’ll remove the decayed part of your tooth and fill the space with composite resin material to keep out future decay. Your filled tooth will be restored like new, sparing you the trauma of having it removed.
Composite fillings aren’t your only option for treating decay, but they’re generally preferred for many reasons. First and foremost, they’re highly effective at treating decayed teeth and restoring their usefulness. Composite fillings bond directly with your tooth enamel to seal out harmful bacteria that can cause cavities, making your tooth less vulnerable to decay in the future. The filling restores your tooth’s structure and strengthens it for biting and chewing. By treating decay with a composite filling, Drs. Drew Richardson and Brant Sandifer can help extend its lifespan for the future.
Here are some additional features of composite filling tooth cavity treatments:
Composite fillings are composed of white resin material mixed with powdered quartz or glass. This putty-like mixture can be color-matched to the shade of your natural tooth, making your filling less noticeable when you smile. Smiling will come naturally, as your pearly whites will retain their attractive appearance even after being treated for cavities.
Composite fillings require less drilling than their gold or silver counterparts, which means less of your tooth’s original structure will be removed. After light drilling, Drs. Drew Richardson and Brant Sandifer will apply the resin material to the space where the decay was removed and mold it to your tooth’s shape. Then, we’ll harden the filling using a UV light to bond it to your tooth permanently. The filling will form a tight seal around your tooth, protecting it from future infection. Composite fillings also insulate your teeth to minimize sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.
Untreated decay can compromise a tooth’s structure by eroding the enamel. This weakens your tooth, making it more susceptible to chipping and breakage. By bonding to your tooth’s enamel, composite fillings strengthen and support your teeth to reduce the risk of damage. With proper care, composite fillings can last 7-10 years before needing an upgrade.
Cavity treatment is but one of many uses for composite resin fillings. This same resin material can be used to repair a chipped or cracked tooth or reconstruct a broken tooth. When used as bonding, composite fillings can even close gaps in your smile to give it a more pleasing appearance.
Cavities? Make composite fillings your go-to treatment. Contact Drs. Drew Richardson and Brant Sandifer from Athens Dental Group in Watkinsville, GA, at (706) 666-4611 today to schedule an appointment for composite filling tooth cavity treatment.