Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dental Fillings in Mesquite, TX

One reason why Dr. Lalani enjoys dentistry so much is that it is constantly evolving. We're always learning about new materials, new technologies, and new ways of doing things that help us improve our approach and the services we provide.

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Smiling patient representing Dental Fillings in Mesquite, TX

Tooth-colored fillings are an excellent example because they use a modern material called composite resin that mimics the look of tooth enamel. Because of the way we blend the composite, our dentist in Mesquite can match it to the exact shade of your tooth for a beautiful, virtually invisible repair.

The process Dr. Lalani uses to place a tooth-colored filling also contributes to a healthier smile. When placing this type of filling, he only needs to remove the decayed portion, leaving the healthy portion intact. In dentistry, it is always best to preserve healthy tooth structure for as long as possible, and tooth-colored fillings help us do that.

The Dental Fillings Procedure: What to Expect

Tooth-colored fillings are a great way to preserve your natural tooth and give you a seamless, aesthetically pleasing smile. We match composite resin to your tooth color so no one will know you have a filling! When you visit our dental office for a tooth-colored filling, here’s what you can expect to happen:

Tooth Preparation

To prepare your tooth for the composite filling, we’ll first numb the surrounding area so you won’t feel any discomfort. Then, we’ll remove the decayed portion of your tooth before cleaning and disinfecting the area.

Filling Placement

Once tooth preparation is complete, we’ll add a special bonding agent to your tooth so the resin will adhere properly. Then, we’ll layer the tooth-colored composite resin until the cavity is adequately filled.

Hardening Process

As we add the layers of composite resin to your tooth, we’ll stop after each layer to cure the resin with a special dental light. This light hardens the resin and makes it durable, giving your tooth the strength it needs.

Sculpting and Shaping

Once the composite filling is hardened, we’ll sculpt and shape the material to match the natural contours of your tooth. Your new filling will blend seamlessly with your other teeth, allowing you to bite comfortably.

Polishing the Filling

The final step involves polishing your tooth to give it a smooth, natural finish. Polishing helps your filling last longer and avoid stains. We’ll check your bite and make any adjustments to ensure your comfort.

Understanding Tooth Decay and How to Stop It

Cavities don’t develop overnight; it's a process that commonly occurs due to a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars from the foods you consume and produce acid that removes minerals from (demineralizes) tooth enamel.

This process continues as the decay penetrates the softer outer layers of your tooth and gets closer to the nerve, you’ll experience sensitivity or pain. If we don’t remove the cavity and fill the tooth, it progresses to the inside of the tooth and may need root canal therapy to resolve.

Is Your Tooth Sensitive? Don't Wait for the Damage to Progress

One problem with cavities—and why we recommend periodic checkups—is that you can have one and not be aware of it. As the decay advances, however, you may notice symptoms such as:

Toothache
Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
Black or brown spots on a tooth’s surface
Pain when biting down
A visible hole in the tooth

If you stay current with your dental exams every six months, your dentist in Mesquite can find the cavity and fill the tooth promptly—before the damage gets worse.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Khurram Lalani

Dr. Lalani graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2016 with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. He chose dentistry as a profession because of his desire to help members of the Mesquite community get interested and involved in their oral health. He also loves working with his hands and enjoys the mental and physical challenges and the fact that, in dentistry, no two days are ever the same.

Dr. Lalani’s favorite thing about being a dentist is the ability to positively impact the health ...

Are You at High Risk for Tooth Decay?

Everyone is at risk for developing tooth decay, but some factors can put your oral health at greater risk:

Inadequate brushing
The location of the tooth
Dry mouth
Insufficient fluoride
Dietary habits
Old dental work

If you have diabetes or are a smoker, you are also more likely to develop cavities.

Ready for Relief? Contact Our Mesquite Dental Team

It’s always best to find cavities when they are small, so if you’re due for your next dental exam and teeth cleaning, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment.

If you have a toothache or notice any of the other symptoms above, there’s a good chance that we need to fill the tooth to restore your oral health. Call our Mesquite dental office, and we will be happy to help you!

Featured Blog Posts - Tooth-Colored Fillings

May 21, 2022

Aesthetic & Durable: Everything You Need to Know About Today's Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth cavities are among the most common dental issues people in Mesquite, TX experience. But they also serve as the gateway to a multitude of other conditions which require more and more complex treatments to save your tooth from inevitable extraction.

So, one thing we can ensure you when you visit Fresh 32 Family Dentistry is that we’ll treat your dental cavities with the most leading-edge and inconspicuous treatment possible: a tooth-colored filling.

Why Do I Need a Dental Filling in Mesquite?

Let’s start at the top. Each time you eat ...

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