Achieve a Beautiful, Healthy Smile with Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings at Corner Stone Dental
At Corner Stone Dental, our restorative dentists in Swansea, IL, Dr. Randall E. Wilson and Dr. Lauren B. Wilson are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, radiant smile that you’ll love to share. If you’re looking for a discreet and effective way to repair cavities or damaged teeth, our tooth-colored composite fillings are an excellent choice. We proudly serve families from Swansea and surrounding communities like Belleville, O’Fallon, Fairview Heights, and Shiloh. Our experienced dental team will walk you through everything you need to know about composite fillings – from how they work and their many benefits to what you can expect during and after your visit with us.
Contact Corner Stone Dental today by calling (618) 236-0501 to learn more about composite fillings and schedule your consultation!
The Top Choice for Swansea Patients
At Corner Stone Dental, our commitment to patient comfort, clear communication, and exceptional results makes us the preferred choice for families in Swansea and surrounding communities. We understand that dental visits can sometimes be daunting, which is why Dr. Randall E. Wilson and Dr. Lauren B. Wilson go above and beyond to create a reassuring and pain-free experience. Our patients consistently highlight the gentle care and personalized attention they receive, transforming their perceptions of dental treatment.
Our patient, Kathleen M., shared her experience:
- “Had two cavities filled and no numbing was needed. Dr. Lauren did an amazing job. She explained every step of her process and delivered on her promise of no discomfort.”.
Kathleen M.’s experience is a testament to our dedication. We pride ourselves on our ability to perform procedures with such precision and care that even complex treatments can be surprisingly comfortable. Our team ensures every step is explained, empowering patients with knowledge and alleviating anxiety, leading to a truly positive dental journey.
What Are Composite Fillings and How Do They Work?
Composite fillings are a fantastic solution for dental repairs, made from a special blend of plastic resin and tiny glass particles. What makes them so popular is their ability to perfectly match the color of your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. These materials are chosen because they’re strong and look great, blending perfectly with your existing tooth structure. Composite fillings work by bonding directly to your tooth, which not only helps restore its function and appearance after decay or damage but also strengthens the tooth itself, giving you a natural-looking and durable repair.
How Composite Fillings Bring Back Your Tooth’s Best Look and Feel
Composite fillings are truly remarkable because they restore both the way your tooth looks and how it functions. Your dentist can carefully shape them to match the exact contours of your original tooth, ensuring a comfortable bite and a seamless appearance. Patients often tell us how happy they are with the aesthetic improvements, as these fillings can be color-matched to blend perfectly with surrounding teeth. This restoration doesn’t just make your smile look better; it also allows you to eat and speak without discomfort, giving you back full functionality.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings for Your Smile?
Opting for tooth-colored composite fillings comes with several wonderful advantages compared to older, traditional amalgam fillings. These benefits include a more beautiful smile, important health considerations, and improved tooth function, making them a top choice for many of our patients.
The Aesthetic Benefit of White and Resin Fillings
One of the biggest perks of composite fillings is how natural they look. Unlike metallic amalgam fillings, which can be quite noticeable, composite fillings can be perfectly color-matched to the natural shade of your teeth. This means your restoration is discreet and enhances the overall beauty of your smile. We can even polish composite materials to a high shine, making them mimic the look of natural tooth enamel.
Healthier and More Functional
Composite fillings are a mercury-free option, which is a significant benefit for patients who are concerned about the health implications sometimes associated with amalgam fillings. During placement, they require less removal of your natural tooth structure, helping to preserve more of your tooth’s original strength. What’s more, composite fillings bond directly to your tooth, which can actually help strengthen it and reduce the risk of future decay.
At Corner Stone Dental, we’re proud to offer high-quality, innovative services. Our dedicated team, led by Dr. Randall E. Wilson and Dr. Lauren B. Wilson, is committed to providing comprehensive dental care for families in Swansea, IL, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment options for a healthy, lasting smile.
The Composite Filling Procedure at Corner Stone Dental
- Initial Check-up: First, your dentist will carefully examine your tooth to see how much decay there is and determine if a filling is the right solution.
- Gentle Anesthesia: We’ll administer local anesthesia to ensure you’re completely comfortable and pain-free throughout the entire procedure.
- Decay Removal: The decayed part of your tooth is meticulously removed using specialized dental instruments.
- Filling Application: The composite material is then applied in thin layers. Each layer is hardened quickly using a special light.
- Shaping and Polishing: Once the filling is in place, your dentist will carefully shape it to match the natural contours of your tooth and polish it for a smooth, natural-looking finish.
Essential Aftercare Tips for Your New Composite Fillings
After receiving composite fillings, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure their longevity and maintain your oral health. Here are key steps to follow for optimal recovery and care.
- Avoid Hot and Cold Foods – For the first few days, steer clear of extremely hot or cold items to minimize sensitivity and discomfort.
- Limit Hard Foods – Refrain from chewing hard foods on the treated side until the anesthesia has completely worn off and the filling has set properly.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate any pain or sensitivity you may feel.
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene – Regular brushing and flossing are essential to keep your fillings and surrounding teeth healthy, preventing decay and prolonging the life of your fillings.
- Schedule Routine Dental Check-Ups – Regular visits to your Swansea dentist will help monitor the condition of your fillings and catch any potential issues early, ensuring your dental health remains optimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite fillings usually last between 5 to 7 years, but this can vary! Factors like where the filling is located, your daily oral hygiene habits, and how much wear and tear it experiences all play a role. Regular dental check-ups with us can help monitor your fillings and let you know when it might be time for a replacement.
It’s quite common to feel some discomfort or sensitivity after getting a composite filling. This sensation usually fades away within a few days. However, if the pain sticks around or gets worse, please don’t hesitate to contact Corner Stone Dental right away for a quick check-up. We want to make sure any underlying issues are addressed promptly!
Yes, composite fillings are considered very safe! They are mercury-free and made from biocompatible materials that are well-tolerated by the body. This makes them a popular choice for patients concerned about the materials used in their dental restorations.
Composite fillings are incredibly versatile and can be used for most small to medium-sized cavities, especially in visible areas where aesthetics are important. They are also great for repairing chipped or broken teeth. For very large cavities or those in areas of extreme biting force, your dentist might discuss other options like crowns, but composite fillings are suitable for a wide range of dental needs.
Achieve a Brighter, Healthier Smile at Our Swansea Dental Office
At Corner Stone Dental, Dr. Randall E. Wilson and Dr. Lauren B. Wilson are committed to providing top-notch dental care that prioritizes your comfort and long-term oral health. Choosing tooth-colored composite fillings means opting for a restoration that not only looks natural but also supports the overall strength and integrity of your tooth. If you’re in Swansea, Belleville, O’Fallon, Fairview Heights, Shiloh, or a nearby area and considering composite fillings, we invite you to reach out. Let us help you restore your smile with confidence and care.
Contact our Swansea dental practice by calling (618) 236-0501 to schedule your consultation and discover the benefits of composite fillings.