Restorative Dentistry
Natural-looking composite fillings for healthy teeth
The best way to keep your teeth healthy is with proper care and regular dental exams. When a tooth develops a cavity, Dr. Williamson uses tooth-colored composite fillings to restore your tooth’s health, function, and natural appearance.
Advanced Composite Fillings for Natural Results
Composite fillings are a common choice for treating cavities because they require only a small portion of the tooth to be removed. Many dentists and patients in Corpus Christi prefer composite fillings because they blend in with natural teeth and help maintain the appearance of your smile.
Using state-of-the-art laser dentistry, we can remove decay gently and with little or no discomfort. Most patients don’t even need to have their teeth numbed because the laser is so gentle.
Benefits of Composite Fillings:
- Natural tooth color that blends seamlessly
- Preserves more of your natural tooth structure
- Bonds directly to your tooth for strength
- No mercury or metal materials
- Can be completed in a single visit
- Comfortable laser dentistry treatment
The most common reason for filling a tooth is because the tooth has developed a cavity. But there are other reasons why a composite may be used:
- Restoring the appearance of chipped teeth
- Changing the shape of irregular teeth
- Closing small gaps between two teeth
- Repairing cracked or broken teeth
Comfortable Laser Dentistry
Dr. Williamson and our professional staff want you to get the important dental treatment you need, and we make it easy by using state-of-the-art technology for your comfort. Laser dentistry takes away the worry of drilling because it removes decayed material gently and with little or no discomfort.
When the inner pulp of your tooth becomes infected or severely damaged, root canal therapy can save your natural tooth and eliminate pain. Dr. Williamson uses advanced techniques and gentle procedures to make root canal treatment as comfortable as possible.
The Root Canal Process
During root canal therapy, the infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. The tooth is then filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. Finally, a crown is typically placed to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.
Saving Your Natural Tooth
Root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted. With proper care, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last a lifetime, maintaining your natural bite and smile.
When a tooth has moderate damage that’s too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a crown, inlays and onlays provide an excellent solution. These custom-made restorations are crafted from tooth-colored materials to restore both function and appearance.
Perfect Fit and Function
Inlays fit within the tooth’s cusps, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. Both are precisely crafted in our dental lab to fit your tooth perfectly, providing superior strength and longevity compared to traditional fillings.
Many patients have old silver amalgam fillings that are dark, noticeable, and may be showing signs of wear or damage. Dr. Williamson can safely remove these old metal fillings and replace them with natural-looking, tooth-colored composite fillings.
Modern Upgrade
Replacing old metal fillings not only improves the appearance of your smile but also allows us to remove any decay that may have developed around the old filling and restore your tooth with stronger, more conservative materials.
Advantages of Composite Over Amalgam Fillings
Tooth-colored composite fillings offer numerous advantages over traditional silver amalgam fillings. They match your natural tooth color, require less removal of healthy tooth structure, bond directly to your tooth for added strength, and contain no mercury.
The replacement process is comfortable and typically completed in one visit. Dr. Williamson carefully removes the old filling, cleans the tooth, and places a new composite filling that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a healthier, more attractive smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about composite fillings
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years with proper care. Their longevity depends on factors such as the size of the filling, location in your mouth, your oral hygiene habits, and your diet. Regular dental checkups help us monitor your fillings and ensure they remain in good condition.
Regular professional cleanings with a dental hygienist are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. The reason is that, over time, a layer of tartar builds up on our teeth. This layer of tartar becomes calcified, or hardened, and can only be removed by a hygienist during a professional cleaning. If this hardened material is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities.
Are composite fillings better than silver amalgam fillings?
Composite fillings offer several advantages over amalgam fillings: they match your natural tooth color, require less removal of healthy tooth structure, bond directly to your tooth for added strength, and contain no mercury. They provide both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Will I need anesthesia for a composite filling?
With our gentle laser dentistry, most patients don’t need anesthesia because the laser removes decay with little to no discomfort. However, if you prefer to be numbed or if the cavity is large, we can certainly provide local anesthesia for your comfort.
Can composite fillings be used on any tooth?
Yes, composite fillings can be used on both front and back teeth. They are particularly popular for front teeth because of their natural appearance, but they are also strong enough for the chewing forces of back teeth when properly placed.
Need a tooth-colored filling?
Schedule your comfortable, laser dentistry appointment with Dr. Williamson today