2520 W Hermosa Dr, Artesia, NM 88210
Restoring Your Smile Naturally
When a cavity forms, treating it quickly is important, but so is how the repair looks. At Smile Xpressions Family Dentistry, we use composite fillings to restore teeth affected by decay while keeping your smile looking as natural as possible. Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite fillings blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, so your treatment stays your own private business.
Our team serves patients throughout Artesia with a straightforward, comfortable approach to filling cavities, helping stop decay in its tracks and restoring the strength and function of your tooth in a single visit.
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What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made from a tooth colored resin material that is applied directly to a tooth after decay has been removed. The material is shaped to match the natural contours of your tooth, then hardened using a special curing light, creating a strong, durable repair that blends in with the rest of your smile.
Unlike older amalgam, or silver, fillings, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which can help preserve more of your natural tooth during the filling process. They are a popular choice for both front and back teeth thanks to their natural appearance and reliable performance.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
- Natural, Discreet Appearance
Composite fillings are shade matched to your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible compared to metal fillings. - Bonds Directly to the Tooth
The composite material bonds chemically to your tooth structure, which can allow for a more conservative preparation that preserves more of your natural tooth. - Versatile for Multiple Uses
Beyond cavities, composite material can also repair chipped, cracked or worn teeth, giving it a range of practical uses. - No Metal Sensitivity Concerns
Since composite fillings do not contain metal, they are a good option for patients concerned about metal sensitivities or allergies. - Completed in a Single Visit
Most composite fillings can be placed in one appointment, restoring your tooth's strength and function right away.
Getting a Composite Filling, Step by Step
Here is what you can expect during a composite filling appointment at our Artesia office.
Numbing the Area
Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.
1
Removing Decay
Our dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth, preparing a clean surface for the filling.
2
Applying the Composite Material
The tooth colored resin is applied in layers directly to the prepared tooth, shaped to match your natural tooth structure.
3
Curing the Material
A special light is used to harden each layer of composite material quickly and securely.
4
Shaping and Polishing
Once the filling is fully hardened, our dentist shapes and polishes it to blend naturally with the surrounding tooth and ensure a comfortable bite.
5
Final Bite Check
Before you leave, we check your bite to make sure the filling feels comfortable and functions properly with your surrounding teeth.
6
Who May Need a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings are recommended for patients with a cavity or minor tooth damage that needs to be repaired, whether the affected tooth is visible when you smile or further back in your mouth. They are also a good option for patients who want to replace old metal fillings with a more natural looking alternative. Our dentist will evaluate the extent of the decay or damage and let you know if a composite filling is the right treatment for your tooth.
Caring for Your Composite Filling
Composite fillings require no special maintenance beyond your regular oral hygiene routine. Continuing to brush twice daily, floss regularly and attend routine cleanings will help protect both your filling and the rest of your smile for years to come. If you ever notice sensitivity, discomfort or a change in your bite after a filling, let our team know so we can evaluate and make any needed adjustments.
A Simple Solution to Protect Your Smile
Treating a cavity early with a composite filling is one of the simplest ways to protect your tooth from further decay and avoid more involved treatment down the road. Our team at Smile Xpressions is here to make the process comfortable, efficient and discreet.
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