Fresh 32 Family Dentistry

2585 Faithon P. Lucas Sr Blvd, Suite 100
Mesquite, TX 75181

Fresh 32 Family Dentistry > Services > Tooth-Colored Fillings

If you have a toothache or think you have a cavity, you might need a tooth-colored filling in Mesquite to restore your smile.

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Tooth-Colored Fillings Mesquite TX

Family of four smiling outside in mesquite 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a dental filling?

Your teeth are durable structures that boast a coating of the hardest substance found in the human body. Your tooth enamel has the same hardness rating as steel, so you might think it's invulnerable. However, even steel needs protection and maintenance to have a reasonable lifespan, and so too does your smile require upkeep in the form of regular brushing, flossing, and twice-per-year dental exams.

Why We Use Dental Fillings in Mesquite, TX

Tooth cavities are small pits that eventually become holes in your tooth enamel. They result from a process where bacteria form a sticky film called plaque which, if not removed, cause tooth decay that will eventually create cavities.

This is a progressive condition where decay may break through to the inner portions of your tooth, close to your nerve. If we don't fill the cavity, it will grow larger and larger until it threatens the entire tooth.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Protect Teeth

Long gone are the days when we need to fill a tooth cavity with metallic amalgam. Dr. Lalani instead is proud to use tooth-colored materials when he fills a cavity. This resinous material can create a stable filling with less material, and we can match it to your natural tooth color so that it virtually disappears.

When cavities are in their early stages, you may be completely unaware of their presence. However, as the condition grows, a few tell-tale symptoms will likely appear, such as:

Concentrated tooth pain
Tooth sensitivity to temperature changes
A visible hole or dark spots on your tooth
Pain on your tooth's biting surface

If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend you schedule a check-up immediately so that we may fill your cavity with tooth-colored materials, preserving both the health and beauty of your smile.

How are cavities in Mesquite filled?

Composite resin dental fillings are a common treatment; you may wonder what to expect when you get one. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of getting a tooth filling:

Dental anesthetic — Dr. Lalani starts by comfortably delivering a local anesthetic that numbs the area around the compromised tooth so you don't feel anything during your procedure.
Prepping the tooth — Next, we'll prepare the tooth with an etching that helps the composite resin adhere correctly.
Adding the material — Dr. Lalani customizes the composite material to match your tooth and carefully applies it.
Reshape and polish —The material is moldable, and he expertly shapes it to your tooth. He then polishes it to help it shine and blend seamlessly with your tooth.

The Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings in Mesquite, TX

Composite fillings offer several advantages over metal fillings that our patients appreciate:

Durability — Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, making it strong and durable.
Aesthetics — We can blend composite material to flawlessly match your tooth.
Structure stability — Composite resin preserves more of your natural tooth structure than metal fillings.
Less breakdown — Composite resin doesn't react to temperature and pull away from the tooth, as metal does.

Call Us To Learn More

If you have questions about tooth-colored fillings, we encourage you to contact your cosmetic dentist in Mesquite, TX, at (469) 730-0090.

I think I have a cavity. What should I do?

If you suspect you have a cavity, the most important step is to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Cavities don’t heal on their own, and the longer they go untreated, the more extensive the damage and required treatment become.

When caught early, cavities are often repaired with tooth-colored fillings in Mesquite, TX. These “composite” fillings blend naturally with your smile and restore full biting and chewing function without drawing attention.

When Do I Need a Dental Crown?

If decay has spread too deeply, a filling may not be enough to protect the tooth. In these cases, your dentist may recommend a crown.

Dental crowns in Mesquite, TX, completely cover and protect a damaged tooth, preventing further breakdown and restoring both appearance and function. If the decay has advanced even further and severely weakened the tooth, an extraction might be the only option to protect your overall oral health.

Early treatment helps you avoid more complex and costly procedures. Between visits, you can also reduce discomfort by keeping the area clean, avoiding very sweet foods, and rinsing with warm salt water. Even if this is effective in the short term, however, do not delay in seeking out professional care. Because, again, left untreated, cavities will only worsen over time.

Restore Your Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings in Mesquite, TX

At Fresh 32 Family Dentistry, Dr. Karram Lalani provides comfortable, effective treatments to stop cavities in their tracks or prevent them altogether. Call today to schedule your appointment and protect your smile for years to come!

How Tooth Cavities Develop

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.

Signs You Need a Tooth Filling

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 ...

Risk Factors for Developing Cavities

before and after photos for dental fillings

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.

Do You Need a Tooth Filling in Mesquite, TX?

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

Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Attractive and Effective

woman getting a tooth colored filling in mesquite tx

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?

Let’s start at the top. Each time you eat and drink, a ...