Sep
When diagnosed with a cavity, many patients are unsure as to how to proceed with treatment. At Shandley Kane Dental of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, our providers are here to assist! We offer composite resin dental fillings as a cavity treatment for a tooth, relying on a commonly used material and quality placement. With proper care, patients can enjoy their cavity treatment for many, many years! Let’s take a look at some of the frequently asked questions about composite resin dental fillings.
Dental fillings are unique materials used to restore a natural tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. They are typically made of composite resin, a mix of plastic and glass particles that can be color-matched to blend in with the patient’s teeth. In the past, silver amalgam has been commonly used in dental practices, and it is still used in some practices today. However, these fillings are easy to spot in the smile, and there are concerns about mercury toxicity associated with this material. Composite resin dental fillings essentially serve as a protective barrier for the remaining healthy tooth structure and prevent further decay or infection.
Composite resin fillings are preferred over other materials for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a more natural appearance, as they can be color-matched to blend perfectly with the rest of the teeth. This is especially beneficial for patients who want to maintain a beautiful smile without visible metal or silver fillings. Additionally, our composite resin fillings require less removal of the healthy tooth structure compared to other materials, allowing for a more conservative and minimally invasive treatment approach.
Generally, composite resin fillings are considered safe and pose minimal risks. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, they do not contain any mercury, which has been a concern for some patients. We encourage patients to consider resin over amalgam fillings for health and aesthetics.
During your cavity filling appointment at Shandley Kane Dental, our dentists first assess the severity of the cavity and determine if a composite resin filling is the best course of action. If so, they then carefully remove any decayed or damaged areas of the tooth using specialized tools. The treated area is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the filling. Drs. Steven J. Shandley, M. Elizabeth Kane, and Colleen Shandley then apply layers of composite resin to fill in the cavity and shape it to match the natural contours of your tooth. A special light is used to harden the material and bond it securely to your tooth. Finally, any excess material is polished for a smooth finish.
If you are a resident of the Hoffman Estates, Illinois, area and want to speak to a provider at our office about the benefits of treating cavities with dental fillings, we invite you to call (847) 428-4646 to reach Drs. Steven J. Shandley, M. Elizabeth Kane, and Colleen Shandley. The office is open to new patients and is conveniently located at 4885 Hoffman Boulevard, Suite #300.