A Holistic Solution To Tooth Decay

While effective at treating tooth decay, metal fillings also contain trace amounts of mercury, which can be harmful for certain patients. In order to offer a more holistic and esthetically-pleasing alternative, we create fillings with a metal-free material. In today’s blog, let’s discuss how we place holistic, metal-free fillings for our North Hollywood, CA, patients.

Creating and Placing Mercury-Free Fillings

Instead of employing amalgam, which contains mercury, we use composite resin. The material is a unique blend of glass-like and acrylic compounds, which can be shaded to match the color of surrounding teeth. In addition, the material can last for many years and is appropriate for children, seniors, pregnant patients, and well, everyone else! To place them, we remove the decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. We prep the material and then place it onto the tooth. As we cure the material under a light, the dentist will sculpt and mold the tooth. Finally, we polish the tooth to ensure a lifelike appearance. In one visit, we can treat cavities with a holistic and attractive treatment option!

When to Seek Treatment

If you attend routine six-month checkups, then we will often identify cavities in the earliest possible stages, often before they cause discomfort or become visible. However, if you don’t attend these visits, then decay can form and spread throughout the tooth unabated. You may not know you need treatment until you notice tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or a toothache that doesn’t subside after a few hours. If you experience pain and sensitivity in one or more teeth, then please let us know right away. Remember, without treatment a cavity could become an infection, one that causes greater discomfort and even threatens the stability of the smile!

Preventing Tooth Decay

Once we repair your cavity, we would love to help you make positive changes in your oral healthcare routine, changes that could reduce the risk of future cavities. For example, be sure your brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste with fluoride. Also, floss every night before going to bed, without exception. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, and make time to see us every six months for regular checkups and cleanings! If you have any questions, then please contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Dental Restorations?

If you have aching teeth, or if we identify cavities, then a restoration is crucial for safeguarding your smile’s health and appearance. For more information on treating cavities, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.